1 




I 



THE ODYSSEY OF HOMEE. 



HOMEK. 



THE ODYSSEY; 

OR, 

THE TEN YEARS' WANDERING OF ODIJSSEUS, 
AFTER THE TEK YEARS' SIEGE OF TROY. 

EEPRODUCED IN DRAMATIC BLANK VERSE. 



T. S. N ORG ATE. 




WILLIAMS AND NORGATE, 

14, HENRIETTA STREET, COYENT GARDEN, LONDON; 

AND 

20, SOUTH FREDERICK STREET, EDINBURGH. 
1863. 



' ,'5-204 






V 



PEINTED 3T STEPHEN AUSTIN, HERTFORD. 



s 



'/V 



PEEFACE. ^ 



An English Translation of Homer's Poems, such as shall at 
once be unexceptionable as a translation, and at the same time 
pleasantly readable for the English reader, has not as yet made 
its appearance : nor do I flatter myself with the idea that this 
one can be said to attain that desirable union of closeness and 
freedom, which I have from first to last endeavoured to produce. 

Much interest has been excited on this subject during the last 
:ew years : and a great variety of opinion exists as to how 
Homer should be translated. 

For my part, when in February, 1858, I began my task of 
translating the Odyssey, I soon came to the conclusion that I 
would sacrifice rhyme to reason : that is, would leave myself 
unfettered by rhyme in order to hover the more closely to the- 
wit and sense of Homer, as they appeared to me : beside which,. 
I think that Rhyme, however pleasant in short compositions,, 
such as ballads, sonnets, or ingenious advertisements for puffing 
the sale of wares, (as for instance at the end of this book) etc., 
becomes intolerably wearisome in a long poem. 

As to metre, I have for the greater freedom adopted the 
dramatic blank verse, which consists of ten syllables, or of 



VI PREFACE. 

eleven, having the eleventh unaccented : for the same object of 
freedom, I am unsparing in the use of elisions for the reader : 
nor have T any scruples on this point, considering how freely 
Homer himself elides and clips his words. And further, for the 
same object of freedom, I have allowed the sentences to occupy 
more, or fewer, lines as occasion seemed to require, rather than 
crib and cabin the sentence into an unvarying number of sylla- 
bles; and have endeavoured myself to be diffuse where Homer 
is diffuse, and to be concise where he is concise. 

T. S. N. 

Sparham, 
December. 1862, 



:notice to the readee. 



Dear courteous Eeader, for the sake 
Of thy less hindrance, pri'thee take 
Thy pen, wherewith, as shewn hereunder, 
Set right and mend each luckless hlunder : 
Whereby the winged words from me to thee 
Shall both in outlet and for inlet be 
Of easier passage, and in flight more free. 



23 line 85 for " ? " read " ! " 

27 „ 173 at the end of liae, strike out the comma 

35 „ 367 for " ? " read « ! " 

46 „ 163 for " wily minded " read " wily-minded" 

49 „ 252 for "a roaming" read "a-roaming" 

57 „ 423 /or "herdsmen" rm^ "herdsman" 

65 at the end of top Hne should be a full stop 

80 in last line /or "hetacombs" read "hecatombs" 

99 line 37 after "gold" strike out "and" 

105 ,, 193 /or "rapid race" read " rapid pace" 

126 ,, 180 at the end of line should be a comma 

150 „ 49 at end should be a full stop 
153 „ 113 for "Tectonides" read "Tectonides" 

205 „ 163 for "bell wing" read "bellowing" 

208 „ 234 /or "porridge" read "beverage" 

210 290 \ 

211 " 316 } f^'^ " porridge" read " a beverage" 

312 „ 56 for "gold-enthroned" read "gold-enthroned' 

380 „ 605 /or "banquetters" r^a^ "banqueters" 

506 „ 136 after "well" strike out "as" 



THE ODYSSEY OF HOMER, 



SYNOPSIS OF THE POEM. 

I told Mm hiow that after many troubles 
And losing all Ms comrades, lie Mmself, 
In the twentieth year, — unknown to everyone, — 
Should reach Ms home : and now at last all tMs 
Is on accomplishment." 

Book ii. 174-176. 



ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. A. 

An assembly of the gods is held, on the subject of sending Odusseus home 
to Ithaca from the island of Calypso, where he has been detained about 
seven years. Accordingly, Athene, the goddess of wisdom, under the 
form of Mentes, lord of the Taphians, goes down to Ithaca, — engages 
Telemachus, Odusseus' son, in conversation, and exhorts him to set out 
in search of his father, first to Nestor, king of Pylos, and then to 
Menelaiis, king of Spaita. After giving Mm clear instructions, she 
departs. The smtors' banquet and revels are set forth. 



ALPHA : the assembly of the gods : Athene 
Visits Telemachus, and gives him Courage, 
And Wisdom for his guide: the suitors' revels. 



The travelled Man of many a turn,— driven far, 

F^r wandering, wlien he had sacked Troy's sacred Town ; 

Tell me, Muse, his tale : how too he conned 

The manners of mankind, and visited 

Full many a City, and how on the deep he suffered 



r;/ 



! THE ODYSSEY. I. 

Many a heart-pang, striving to secure 

=^5 His own and comrades' lives and safe return. 
Yet them he rescued not, howe'er desirous ; 
For by their own blind folly they all perished : 
Fools that they were ! to eat the Sun-god's herds : 
So, Hyperion, he who Walks above, 
Bereft them of their day of home-return ! 
Whereof, from whatsoever source, goddess, 

10 Daughter of Zeus, vouchsafe to tell e'en Us ! — 
Already now at home were all the others 
Who safe through war and sea had scaped hard death. 
Yearning for home-return and wife. This Man 
Was alone stayed by a Nymph in hollow caves 
Lady Calypso,t fair of goddesses, 

15 Longing for him to abide and be her lord. 

But when at length the years had run their rounds, 
And the time came, predestined by the gods 
For his return to Ithaca and home, 
No, not e'en then was he released from troubles, 
E'en when amongst his friends : the gods indeed 
Were all, all save Poseidon, pitying him ; 

20 While He with wrath relentlessly pursued 
Godlike Odusseus' e'en to his own dear land. 
Gone was Poseidon now howe'er to visit 
The far off Ethiopians : (outermost 
Of men the Ethiopians, and asunder 
In twain divided, — to the setting sun 

2d Are these, while others dwell towards the rising :) 
To accept a hecatomb of bulls and rams 
Gone was he thither ; and at feast and merry 

* The marginal figures refer to the corresponding passages in the Greek, 
t That is, " I will hide" : so called, hecause she " hid" Odusseus. 



BOOK A. 

There was lie sitting. The other gods meanwhile 
Were in Olympian Jove's high court assembled ; 
When thus began the sire of men and gods ; 
For thinking was he of blemishless ^Egisthus, 

30 Whom Agamemnon's far-famed son Orestes 
Had put to death ; and Zeus remembering this 
Spake thus among the Deathless ones : ''0 Strange ! 
' What blame those mortals cast upon us gods ! 
' They say that ills come forth from Us, while They, 
' By their own impious folly, undergo 
' Ills beyond those of Fate. As now, forsooth, 

35 ' Quite beyond Fate, ^gisthus wooed and married 
' Atreides' wedded wife, and slew Atreides 
^ On his returning home : the murderer knew 

* Sheer death o'erhanging him, for w^e forewarned him 
' And sent the keen-eyed Argus-killer, Hermes, 

* With warning not to murder Agamemnon 
' Nor woo his wife : for, for Atreides' death 

40 ' Sure vengeance should there be from prince Orestes, 
' Whene'er should He have come to man's estate 
' And yearn to obtain his own inheritance. 

* Such was the word of Hermes : kindly-minded, 
' He yet persuaded not JEgisthus' heart, 

^ Who therefore now has paid full penalties." 
Straight answered then Athene, bright-eyed goddess : 

4o ^^0 Ohronides ! supreme of kings, our father ! 
' And fully sure That man deserves his doom : 
' Thus too let perish all who dare such deeds ! 
' But sorely am I vexed at inmost heart 
' For sage Odusseus, that ill-fated one, 
' Who, far from friends, long suffers grievous woes 

50 ' In a sea-girt isle, the navel of the sea ; 



4 THE ODYSSEY. I. 

'A wooded isle, wherein at home there dwells 
' A goddess nymph, the daughter of sage Atlas,* 
' Him, who both knows the depths of all the sea, 
' And who himself holds up the lofty piers 
^ That sunder heaven and earth : his daughter it is, 

55 ^ Is holding back that sad Unfortunate ; 

^ And with soft words and wily blandishments 
' Is ever witching him, to make him lose 
* Memory of Ithaca : meanwhile, Odusseus, 
' Longing to see was't but the smoke uprising 
' In his own land, is fain to die : and yet 
' Not turned, Olympian father, is thy heart : 

60 ' Was not Odusseus wont to court thy favour, 
' On Troy's broad plain, with ready sacrifices 
' Near the Argives' fleet ? Then why, Zeus, art wroth 
^ So Odiously against him ?" Straight replied 
Cloud-gatherer Zeus : " What word is this, my child, 
' Has thus escaped thee from its fence of teeth ? 

Q6 ' How should I e'er forget divine Odusseus, 
' Who both excels mankind in understanding, 
' And before all has offered sacrifices 
' To the Deathless gods who occupy broad heaven ? 
^But 'tis the Compasser of earth, Poseidon, 
' Is wroth all stubbornly against him still, 
' For that he spoiled the Cyclops of his eye, — 

70 ' The godlike Polyphemos, — him whose strength 

' Is mightiest 'mongst all Cyclops. The nymph Thoosa, 
' Pressed by Poseidon in her hollow caves, 
' Was she who gave him birth,— daughter of Phorcys 
^ Lord of the barren sea.— 'T is thus, Poseidon, 

* According to an ancient tradition, this Atlas is identical with Enoch ; see the 
second Book of Esdras vi. 49, 51 ; also Jude, 13, 14, 15. 



BOOK A. 

* Shaker of the earth, slays not outright but drives 
75 * Odusseus wandering from his fatherland. 

' But come, all here bethink we and determine 
^ On his return, and how : for sure, Poseidon 

* Will put away his wrath ; indeed not able, 

* Alone, he '11 be to strive in any way 

' Against the wills of all us Deathless gods." 

80 Anon replied Athene, bright-eyed goddess : 
'* Chronides our father, highest of rulers ! 
' If now indeed the happy gods it pleaseth 
' That sage Odusseus shall return to his home, 
' Let us dispatch our Messenger forthwith, 
' Hermes the Argus-slayer, with utmost speed 

85 * To the isle Ogygia, and to the fair-tressed Nymph, 
' To tell her our unalterable Will, — 
^ That patient-souled Odusseus shall return, 
' Shall sure return. And I meanwhile will go 
' To Ithaca, and further stir his son 
' And put a steadfast courage into his heart, 

90 ' To call the long-haired Ithacans together 
^ Into assembly and there at once bid notice 
' To all the suitors, how they 're slaughtering ever 
' Unceasingly his frequent flocks of sheep 
' And herds of ring-horned, sluggish-footed beeves. 
^ Then to hear tidings if he haply may 
' Of his dear sire's return, I'll speed him forth 

95 ' Both unto sandy Pylos and to Sparta ; 

' And for himself to have fair fame in the world." 
So saying, she forthwith bound beneath her feet 
Her comely sandals, golden, all ambrosial. 
Wonted to bear her swift as gale of wind. 
Whether upon the boundless land or sea : 



b THE ODYSSEY. I. 

Then seized her spear, made sharp with brazen point, 

100 Of weighty size and solid strength : wherewith 
This daughter of a mighty sire subdues 
Banks of bold chiefs, with whom she's haply wroth. 
Straight from Olympus' tops she sped her way 
With downward flight to the land of Ithaca ; 
And there she stood before Odusseus' porch. 
At the court's entrance,— brazen spear in hand, 

105 In likeness of a foreign stranger, Mentes 
Lord of the Taphians ; and anon she found 
The gallant suitors : sitting were they there 
On skins of oxen they themselves had slain. 
Playing at draughts before the palace gates. 
Heralds and Serjeants and attendant pages 
Were all at hand and busy : some were mingling 

110 Water and wine in the mixing-bowls ; while others 
Were setting tables forth, or cleansing them 
With porous sponges, or were carving meats. 
Godlike Telemachus was far the first 
To spy her coming, for among the suitors 
He too was sitting, gTieved at very heart, 

115 Seeing in thought his gallant sire, and fancying. 
Might He but haply come again, what scattering 
Of all these suitors would he make in the palace, 
And have and hold would he his honoured rank 
And sovereign lordship o'er his own domain. 
As with such thoughts he sat among the suitors, 
He spied Athene ; straight whereat he stepped 

120 From forth the porch : for grievously to heart 
He took it that a stranger e'er should wait 
Long at his gates : he approached and stopped before her. 
Grasped her right hand and took her brazen spear 



BOOK A, 

And spake in winged words : *' All health, stranger ! 
' Welcome shalt be with ns : partake our dinner, 
' And then declare whatever it is thou needest." 

125 So saying he led the way, while followed him 

Pallas Athene, and when at length they had entered 
A lofty room, therein he set the spear 
'Gainst the tall pillar, where were also standing 
Full many a lance of patient-souled Odusseus 
Within the polished spear-case : then to a throne 

130 Of fair and cunning work, whereon he spread 
Fine linen cloth, with footstool underneath. 
He led and seated her. Then for himself 
Close by he set a lounge-chair, wrought with broidery. 
Aloof from all the suitors ; lest the Stranger, 
At coming 'mongst such overweening men. 
Should be distressed by their uproarious noise, 

135 And loathe his dinner ; also that himself 
Might ask for tidings of his absent father. 
Anon a serving-woman brought them water 
To wash their hands, o'er which from beauteous ewer. 
Golden, she poured it into a silver basin : 
A polished table then she spread beside them. 
Whereto a reverend dame, the stewardess, 

140 Producing freely from her ready stores. 

Brought bread and many a dainty cate beside 
And set before them. Wooden trenchers also 
Of fleshmeats of all kinds the carver brought 
And set them on, and golden cups beside them ; 
While following came a page and poured them wine. 
Anon in came the gallant suitors also, 

145 Who on thrones and lounge-chairs sat them all in order 
Then pages poured them water o'er their hands. 



C THE ODYSSEY. I. 

While damsels piled the bread and cates in baskets, 
And youths crowned high the mixing bowls with wine ; 
And on the viands ready set before them 
The guests reached forth their hands. Soon as the suitors 

150 Had put away desire for meat and drink, 

They turned to other cares, to song and dance, 

The banquet's crowning ornaments. A page 

Now brought a shapely harp to the hands of Phemius, 

Whose wont it was to sing before the suitors. 

But by compulsion. Straight the Bard began 

155 To uplift his voice, preluding on the harp, 
For pleasant song : Telemachus meanwhile, 
Holding his head full close to bright-eyed Pallas, 
That the others might not hear him, thus addressed her : 
^' Kind guest, and wilt be wroth at what I tell thee? 
' These are the cares have They, the harp and song, 

160 ' Easy forsooth,— for at another's cost 

' Without account do They devour the living 

' Yea of a Man, whose bare white bones perchance 

* Lie rotting on the mainland in the rains, 

' Or the wave rolls them in the briny deep. 
' If Him howe'er returning might they see 

* To Ithaca,— they all were quickly praying 
165 ' To have a nimbler foot than greater wealth 

' In gold or raiment. But Ah ! perished surely 
' Has He some luckless death ; nor have we a spark 

* Of cheering hope, no, not though any man 

' On the face of earth should say he'll come again : 

* But perished is the day for His returning ! 

' But tell me now, and give me true account, 
170 ' Who, and whence art ? Thy City ? and who thy fathers ? 

* On board what ship cam'st hither ? and with what aim 



BOOK A, 

To Ithaca did shipmen bring thee, and what 
Boast they to be ? for not on foot, I ween. 
Didst thou come hither. Tell me also and truly, 
Dost come but now to visit us, or art thou 
E'en heretofore my father's guest ? for hither 
Used there to come full many a foreigner 
Unto this house of ours ; for always ready 
Was He for kindly converse with mankind." 
Straight answered him Athene bright-eyed goddess : 
* Yea, tell thee this will I, right truly too : 
Mentes my name, I boast to be the son 
Of sage Anchialos, and o'er the Taphians, 
Eace fond of oars, I hold the sovereign sway. 
And hither now I'm come with ship and comrades 
O'er the dark sea to men of other tongues. 
Sailing our course to Temese for copper : 
Euddy iron is now my freight : and my ship here 
In Eheithron's creek beneath the woody Neion 
Is moored near yonder field outside the Town. 
And 'tis our boast, (thy father's boast and mine) 
To be hereditary mutual guests 
From yore ; whereof mayst ask the lord Laertes, 
Whene'er shalt visit him : to Town no longer 
Comes He, they say ; but at his farm aloof 
Lives in sad grief, with an old serving woman. 
Who brings him meat and drink whene'er fatigue 
Attacks his limbs, as with a tottering step 
He crawls amongst his vineyard's fruitful vines. 
Come have I now, for 'twas the talk that He, 
Thy father, was already at home : but Him 
The gods yet hinder in his homebound course. 
For not yet dead on the earth is prince Odusseus, 



10 THE ODYSSEY. I. 

' But alive still I ween,— by the vasty deep 

* Kept in some sea-girt isle ; and foemen hold him, 
' Savages, who perchance are keeping him 

* 'Spite of himself. But this I'll now foretell thee, 
' E'en as the Immortals put it in my heart, 

200 * And as I think 't will surely come to pass, 

* Yea, though I be no prophet, nor well skilled 
^ In augury : From his own fatherland 

\ Not away now much longer will he be ; 

* No, not though bound in chains of iron : contrive 
' How to return will he, so cunning is he 

205 ' In many a crafty plan. But come now, say, 
' And tell me truly : thou, so tall, art thou 
' Keally the son of Him, my friend Odusseus ? 

* For wondrous like him art thou both in head 

' And beauteous eyes ; so many a time used we 
' To hold converse together, ere for Troy 
210 ' He went on board, when in their hollow ships 

* Thither went all the choicest of the Argives. 
' Since when, Odusseus neither have I seen, 

* Nor he seen me." Whereat in prudent spirit 
Answered Telemachus : " Yea, tell thee, guest, 
' And that right truly will I : that I'm His, 

215 * My mother says : for my part, I know not : 

* For his own race has none e'er known for certain 

* Himself. rather would I were the son 

' Of some blest man, on whom old age had come 

* In the midst of his possessions. But from Him, 
' Surely the most ill-doomed of mortal men, 

* From Him have I my birth, they say ; for this, 

220 ' 'T was this thou askedst me." Straight answered him 
Athene bright-eyed goddess : " Surely a race 



BOOK A. 11 

' Hereafter not inglorious have the gods 
^ Vouchsafed thee, since Penelope has borne 

* Thee, yea thee such. But come now, tell me this, 
' And give me true account, — what feast is this ? 

' What throng? and what thy need thereof? a wedding, 
' Or solemn banquet is'it ? for no, no tokens 
' Are these of club-feast here : so beyond measure 
' Seem they to me to revel riotously 

* About thy house. Sure wroth were any man, 

' Of sober spirit at least, might come and witness 
^ Such great disgrace." Whereat Telemachus 
In prudent spirit replied : ^' Now since, guest, 
' Thou askest me with such near questioning ; — 
' Once Was, — this house seemed likely to be blest 
' With wealth, and blemishless, — so long as here 

* Was yet That Man at home : but the gods now 

* Have otherwise ordained, with ill designs ; 

* And Him beyond the ken of all mankind 

' They Ve put away : so sad I should not be, 

* E'en were he dead, if on the Trojan plain 

^ He had fall'n among his comrades, or had died 
' In his friends' arms, since winding up the war. 
' Then to his memory 'had all the allied Achaians 
^ Kaised him a tomb, and gained had he renown 
' Glorious, e'en also to his son hereafter. 
^ Him now howe'er have Harpies'^ snatched away 
' Ingloriously : he is Gone, unseen, unheard of : 

* And to me grief he has left behind and mourning. 

* Nor yet for Him alone do I grieve and mourn, 

* But other sad distress the gods have wrought me. 
' For many as are the nobles holding sway 

* Hurricanes*. 



12 THE ODYSSEY. I. 

Throughout these isles of Samos and Dulichium 

And forest-crowned Zacynthos, — many as also 

In rocky Ithaca hold lordly rank, — 

They all woo my mother, and they waste our house. 

And She— refuses not their hateful suit, 

Nor can she think to grant accomplishment : 

2o0 ^ Thus do these wasters eat up all my house ; 

FuU soon me too they'll bring to an end untimely." 
Troubled thereat, then spake Athene Pallas : 
' Oh Shame ! indeed already feel'st thou much 
Need of Odusseus here, to lay his hands 
Upon these shameless suitors. that hither 

255 ' Now were he come, and stood in yon front gates. 

Armed with two spears and shield and nodding helmet, 
Such as when first I saw him in our house 
Joyous and feasting, in his home-bound course 
From Ephyre ; for in his nimble ship 
Thither had gone Odusseus on a visit 

260 * To Ilus, son of Mermeros, to obtain 

A deadly poison, wherewithal to anoint 

His brass-tipped arrows ; not, howe'er, did Ilus 

Give him,— through dread of the ever-liying gods ; 

Yet gave it him my father ; for right dear 

My father loved him : 0, if now, being such, 

265 ^ Odusseus might but come among these suitors,— 
They all had a speedy death, and a bitter wedding. 
But with the gods alone indeed rests this, — 
Whether or not shall he return and here 
Take vengeance in his halls : yet thee I exhort 
To ponder, how may'st thrust these suitors forth 

270 ' From out the palace. Wherefore an 't so please thee, 
Heed now, and mark my words : to-morrow mom 



' BOOK A, 13 

' Into assembly call the Acliaian lords ; 

' And there, before them all, make known the matter, 

* And let the gods be witness to thy words : 

' The suitors, — to their own bid them disperse ; 
27o ' And for thy mother, — if her heart is fain 
' For getting married, let her go again 

* Back to her father's palace : mighty powerful 

^ Is he : and there her marriage they'll contrive, 
' And fit her out full many a wedding gift, 
' Such as is meet to furnish forth his daughter. 

* And strongly would I enjoin upon thyself, 
280 * If haply may'st comply, —fit out a ship 

* The best that may be had, with twenty rowers : 

* Then forth for tidings of thy long-lost father, 
^ If any man can tell thee, or from high Zeus 

* May'st hear some rumour, which most chiefly brings 
' News to mankind. To Pylos go then first, 

' And ask prince Nestor : onward thence to Sparta, 
285 ' To Menelaiis ; for the last returned 

' Is he, the yeUow-haired, of the brass-clad Argives. 

'. If of thy father living and returning, 

' Shalt haply hear,— then for a twelvemonth yet 

' Endure, howe'er worn out : but shouldst thou learn 

* How that he is dead and is no more, — forthwith 
290 ' Eeturn to thine own fatherland ; and raise him 

' A mound, and, as 't is fitting, pay thereat 
' Full many a funeral honour ; and in marriage 
' Bestow thy mother. When at length these matters 
' Hast fully achieved and brought to an end, then ponder 
' In heart and soul, how may'st thou slay these suitors 
295 ' Within thy halls, by craft, or openly : 

' Nor longer must thou follow childish things, 



14 THE ODYSSEY. I. 

* Since of such age no longer. Know'st thou not 
' What a great glory prince Orestes gained 

' Throughout the world, for that he put to death 
' His noble father's murderer, wily ^gisthus, 
300 ' The traitrous parricide ? — Thou too, my friend, 

' Be stout (for sure right comely and tall I see thee) ; 

' That of thee too may men, e'en yet unborn, 

' Speak well. But now 1 11 down to my swift ship 

* And comrades, who maj^hap are sorely vexed 

* Awaiting me. Take care then for thyself, 

305 ' And heed my words." Anon then answered her 
' Telemachus in prudent spirit : '' guest, 
' With friendly thought indeed thou speakest thus, 
' E'en as a father to his son, and never 
' Shall I forget thy words. But yet awhile 
' Stay now, although so longing for thy passage, 

310 ' Until thou 'hast bathed thee and cheered thy loving heart ; 
' Then to thy ship return with joyful spirit, 
' And some fair, costly guest-pledge in thine hand, 
' The which, from me to thee, may'st treasure up ; 
' As loving friends to friends are wont to give." 
Straight answered him Athene, bright-eyed goddess : 

315 " Stay me no longer now ; so longing am I 
' To speed my way ; but what the gift soe'er 
' Thy friendly heart bids give me, give it me 
' When I return again, to carry home, 
' How fair soe'er, and worth a like requital 

* To thee it shall prove." Forthwith, as thus she spake, 
Bright-eyed Athene sped away, and flew 

320 As 't were a bird unnoticed through the air. 

But strength and courage put she into his soul, 
And of Ms sire yet more than hitherto 



BOOK A, 15 

Eeminded him : yet mucli in spirit he marvelled, 
Thinking in inmost heart upon the matter, 
For he 'had an inkling how 't was surely a god. 
Anon then went the godlike youth to the suitors : 

325 The far-famed Bard was chanting yet before them. 
While sat they in silence listening to his lay : 
Singing was he the Achaians' sad Return 
From Troy, ordained them by Athene Pallas. 
Now shrewd Penelope, Icarius' daughter. 
Heard from her upper chamber, and gave heed 
To 'his lay inspired : then down the lofty stairs, 

330 From forth her room, straight came she, not alone ; 
But with the queen came two attendants following : 
And when at length this fair of womankind 
Had reached the suitors' presence,— there the lady, 
Shading her cheeks by her bright kerchief lappets. 
Stopped by the pillar of the vaulted roof, 

335 Her trusty handmaids one on either side : 

Thus then, in tears, she addressed the Bard divine : 
'^ Phemius, many another lay thou knowest 
' Charming to mortals, — deeds of men and gods, 

* Whereof are minstrels wont to tell : then sit 

' And sing them one of these ; and let them drink 
' Their wine in silence. But, I pray thee, cease, 
340 ' Cease from this mournful song, which evermore 
' Wears out the very heart within my breast : 
' For indeed Me has sorrow touched most sorely 
^ Never to be forgotten. So dear a head 

* I miss with fond regret, for evermore 

^ Bearing in mind my husband, whose great glory 

* Has gone abroad through Hellas and mid-Argos.' 
345 Telemachus in prudent spirit straight answered •. 



16 THE ODYSSEY. I. 

^' motlier mine, now wliy dost take 't amiss 
^ For that tlie tuneful Bard gives forth delight, 
^ E'en as his mind is moved ? not chargeable 
' Are Bards on this account, I ween, but Zeus ; 
^ 'T is He who gives to enterprising men, 

* E'en as he will to each. No cause for wrath 
350 ' Is there against this man, for singing thus 

' The Danaans' wretched fate. For the greatest praise 
' Men ever give to the lay that comes the newest 
' To the hearer's ears. Then let thy heart and soul 

* Endure to hear : for not alone Odusseus 

' Has lost at Troy his day of home-return, 
355 ' But others also have perished,— many a man. 

' But go thou to thy room, — mind thine own tasks, 
' The loom and distaff; and there bid thy maidens 
' Keep to their work : with men shall be the ordering 
' And care of other matters, and with me 
' Chiefly ; for in this house the rule is mine." 
360 Back to her room again she went, astonied ; 
For her son's word so full of prudent spirit 
She laid to heart. Up went she to her chamber 
With her attendant women, and there wept 
For her dear lord Odusseus, till at length 
Bright-eyed Athene sent down gentle slumber 
Upon her eyelids. — In the dusky halls 
365 The suitors now made noisy din together, 

And aU were vowing to be her chosen consort. 

Whereat then thus began Telemachus, 

With prudent spirit : '^0 ye, my mother's wooers, 

' Still riotous all and wanton, let us rather 

' Enjoy the pleasant banquet now before us, 

* And let there be no shouting : for to hear 



BOOK A, 17 

370 ' Such Bard as This, who in voice is like the gods, 

* Is indeed comely. To morrow morn, howe'er, 
' To assembly go we all and sit in session, 

' When roundly will I give you a word of warning 
' To quit these halls : go, make your feasts elsewhere ; 
' Eat that which is your own, in turn together, 
375 * At your own homes. But if to you seems This 
' Better and pleasanter — without requital 

* To bring to nought the substance of One man, — 

* Why, — fleece me : yet, if ever Zeus vouchsafes 
' Repayment for such deeds, I'll cry aloud 

' On the ever-living gods, and may ye then 
380 ' Perish all unavenged within these halls." — 
He said ; and 'gan they all to bite their lips 
And gaze with wonder upon Telemachus, 
For that he spake so boldly. Anon Antinous, 
Eupeithes' son, thus answered him : '' Now sure, 
' Teach thee do the gods themselves, Telemachus, 
385 ' To be so big a talker, and to hold forth 
' So boldly ! Never in sea-girt Ithaca 
' May Chronides make thee the king ! although 
' By birth such heritage is thine." — Straight answered 
Telemachus with prudent spirit: " Antinous ! 
' And wilt perchance be angry at what I say ? 
' Yea this, the sovereignty, should Zeus vouchsafe it, 

390 ' I willingly would take upon myself. 

' Dost think that This is the worst of lots in the world ? 

' No, no ; 'tis no wise bad to be a king : 

' Wealthy forthwith becomes his house, and he 

' Himself more honoured. But, i' faith, many others 

* Both young and old there are, Achaian princes, 

395 ' In sea-girt Ithaca ; some one whereof 

2 



18 THE ODYSSEY. I. 

^ May haply have this realm, since prince Odusseus 

* Is dead ; but master o'er this house of om^s 

' 1, I will be, and o'er the serfs here gained me 
'By prince Odusseus." Answered him anon 
Eurymachus the son of Polybus : 
400 '* In the gods' power, Telemachus, it lies, 

* Who of the Achaians is 'it shall here be king* 
' In sea-girt Ithaca : but hold mayest thou 

' Thine own possessions, and be lord and master 
' O'er thine own house. For never may that man 
' Come hither, while yet Ithaca remains 

* A dwelling place, who against thy will would spoil 
405 * Thee of thy goods by force. But, my good feUow, 

* About thy guest I wish to ask thee a question : 

' Whence came the man ? What is his fatherland ? 
' And race ? and from what country boasts he himself? 

* Does he bring tidings of thy sire's returning ? 
' Or hither came he on business of his own ? 

410 * How on a sudden he started up and went, 
' Nor waited to be known ! for never a whit 

* Seemed he forsooth in face like one ill-bom." 
With prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 

" My sire's return indeed, Eurymachus, 
' Is at an end. No longer then do I trust 
' Tidings, come whence they may : and when my mother 
415 ' Bids to the house some prophet and enquires 

* Into his prophecy, no heed do I give it. — 

' This guest of mine howe'er, is forth from Taphos, — 
' My father's friend of old : Mentes, the son 

* Of doughty Anchialos he boasts himself, 

' And o'er the Taphians fond of oars he rules." — 
420 So spake Telemachus ; yet felt he at heart 



BOOK A. , 19 

How 'twas a deathless goddess. — Now to dancing 
And lovely song they turned and made right merry ; 
And so kept on till eventide should come. 
And in their glee dark evening came upon them ; 
Then home to bed went all, their several ways. 

425 To 'his lofty chamber, built him in broad view 
O'er all the fair court-yard, for bed went also 
Telemachus, much pondering in his heart ; 
While carrying lighted torches in attendance 
Came Eurycleia, skilled in trusty service ; 
Daughter of Ops, Peisenor's son, was she : 
Erewhile, in her first bloom of youth, Laertes 

430 Had bought her of his wealth, and gave the worth 
Of twenty beeves. And her he used to honour 
Even as his tender consort in the palace : 
Yet never took her for his concubine, 
But his wife's bitter wrath he avoided ever. — 
Thus in attendance now with lighted torches 
Together came she with the youth ; she most 

435 Of all the women-slaves right dearly loved him. 
And tenderly had nursed him when a babe. — 
Now he ope'd his fair-built chamber door, and sat him 
Upon the bed, pulled off his coat and threw it 
Into the shrewd old woman's hands. Whereat 
■ She smoothed and folded the soft coat, and hanged it 

440 Upon a pin beside the loop-holed bed : 

Then from the chamber went she her way, and the door 
Pulled to with silver handle, and with latchet 
Pushed home the bolt. — Covered with finest wool 
There lay the prince all night, pondering in mind 

444 The voyage, that Athene had designed. 



20 



THE ODYSSEY. II 



ARGUMENT OF THE SECOND BOOK. B. 



In the morning, Telemaclius calls an assembly of the Ithacans, in which he 
publicly warns the suitors to cease coming to his house : he asks, but 
unsuccessfully, to be supplied with a ship to go to Pylos and Sparta. By 
Athene's help however he obtains one from Noemon. Eurycleia furnishes 
him with provision for the voyage and, unknown to his mother, he sets sail 
at sundown. 



10 



BETA: the ^parliament ; the suitors^ warning ', 
And the departure of Telemachus, 



When peeped the Dawn-sprung rosy-fingered Eos, 

Forthwith from bed Odusseus' dear son sprang, 

And donned his clothes ; and girt on shoulder belt 

With sharp-edged sword. Beneath his glossy feet 

He bound his comely shoes, and went his way 

From forth his chamber, like a god to look at. 

Straight then the loud-voiced heralds bade he summon 

The long-haired Ithacans all unto assembly. 

The heralds cried; whereat the folk came flocking 

Right fast. And when together were they gathered. 

Straight to the assembly he too went his way 

With brazen spear in hand ; went, not alone ; 

Two greyhounds followed with the prince ; and on him 

Athene shed a grace unspeakable : 

And all the people as he came along 

Gazed wondering on him. To his father's throne 



BOOK B. 21 

He went and sat, and the elders all gave way. 

15 Then first to harangue them was the lord Mgj^iios, 
Bent by old age and skilled in countless lore. 
A son of his, the spearman Antiphus, 
Had gone in hollow ships with prince Odusseus 
To horse-prolific Ilion : him howe'er 
The savage Cyclops butchered in his cave, 

20 And for his supper dressed and ate him last. 

Three sons he had beside, one 'mongst the suitors, 
Eurynomus ; both the others kept unceasing 
Charge of their father's fields of husbandry. 
Nathless, in grief and mourning, he forgat not 
That lost one. Tearful, thus he now harangued 
And spake before them : '' Ithacans! now hear me, 

S5 * The somewhat I would say : ne'er has there been 
' A session or assembly here amongst us, 

* Since forth in hollow ships went prince Odusseus : 
' And who is 't now has called us here together ? 

' On whom, among our young men or our elders, 
' Has come such pressing need ? Has he heard tidings 
SO ' Of any kind about our troops returning, 
' And, first to hear thereof, would openly 
' Tell us the news ? Or does he shew and make known 
' Any other public matter ? — Worthy I think him, 

* And happy man be his dole ? On him may Zeus 
' Bring good to pass, in all his heart's desires ! " 

35 He spake : whereat Odusseus' loving son 

Was glad at the ominous speech ; nor any longer 
Sat he, so fain he was to harangue the assembly. 
Forth in the midst he took his stand : the herald, 
Peisenor, versed in many a prudent counsel. 
Put into his hand the staff: then the old lord first 



9Q 



THE ODYSSEY. II. 



said 



sir ; not far 



thyself slialt know him) — I^ 



He thus addressed and 
40 ' This man, — (and soon 

' I called the folk together : and on me 

' Most chiefly has come distress. No manner of tidings 

' Of our returning army have I heard, 

* Whereof indeed first hearing might I tell you 

* Openly here : nor do I show and make known 

* Any other public matter ; but mine own, 

4o ' Own matter : the ill that on my house has fallen, 
' Twofold : first a brave father have I lost, 
' Who once amongst yourselves reigned here, your king, 

* And, as a father, gentle. And now again 

* Is e'en far greater trouble, which will soon 

' Throughly wreck all my house, and utterly 

* To nought bring all my living. Against her will 
50 * Wooers beset my mother,— e'en the sons 

* Of those men here, yes here, of noblest rank. 
' They shrink indeed from going unto Icarius', 
' Her father's, house, for Him to portion ofi" 

' His daughter, and bestow her on the man, 

* E'en whom he would, whose wooing should be welcome ; 
55 ' But here they haunt our house day after day, 

^ Slaughtering our beeves and sheep and goodly goats, 

* And revelling feast they and drink the sparkling wine 

* All recklessly ; and our Plenty is come to an end : 
' For not a man, such as Odusseus was, 

* Now have we here to guard our house from ruin. 
60 * Not able are We forsooth in any wise 

^ For such defence : in sorry plight indeed 

' Were we thereat, and all unskilled in prowess. 

* Sure, had I but the power, I would defend me ; 
' For deeds, no longer bearable, are done. 



BOOK B. 23 

' And my house comes to nought, no longer fairly ; 

* Take shame, yea You, — to yourselves ; and fear the blame 
65 * Of all your neighbours living round about you ; 

' Have too some little fear of the gods' anger, 
' Lest in their wrath at evil deeds they turn 
' Somewhat upon you. Now by Olympian Zeus 
' I entreat you, and by Themis, who both holds 

* And breaks up men's assemblies, — my friends 
70 ' Cease ye, and leave me with my mournful grief 

' Alone to be distressed ; — unless indeed 
' My noble sire Odusseus, in harsh mood, 

* Ever did ill to his well-gTeaved Ithacans : 

' For such— take ye your vengeance in harsh mood, 
' And evil entreat me, and stir all here against me ! 

* Better for me were your. Your swallowing up 
75 ' My wealth in house and field : had You indeed 

* Been the devourers, — soon then would there be 
' A recompense; I ween. For through the land 

* With warm entreaty would we go and demand 
' Full means again, till all were rendered back : 

' Now, howe'er, do ye put my heart to pain 

* Unhealable." So spake he in bitter wrath ; 
80 And bursting into tears, he hurled the sceptre 

To the ground : and Pity seized on all the people. 
All also then were silent ; and not one 
Had heart to give Telemachus an answer 
In angry words ; until alone Antinous 
Thus answered him : '' Telemachus ! big talker ! 
85 ^ Of unchecked spirit ? what slighting word is this 
' Thou say'st of us ? Sure must it be thy wish 

* To set a brand upon us. Not, howe'er, 

* In any matter are the Achaian suitors 



24 THE ODYSSEY. II. 

^ To blame concerning thee : but 'tis thy mother, 
' She knows i' faith, fall many a crafty trick. 

* Three years 'tis now, and soon will pass the fourth, 
90 ' That she beguiles the hearts of us Achaians. 

' She feeds us all with hope ; she sends to each 

' And every man her messages, and makes 

' Her promises ; but otherwise intent 

' Is all her thought the while. For sample now, 

' One trick she planned was this : in her apartments 

' She set her loom and 'gan to weave a web 

95 ' Of ample size, fine, yea surpassing measure : 
' Anon she thus addressed us : ^^0 young men, 
*' Here wooing me, since dead is prince Odusseus, 
" Stay ye your pressing yet this marriage on me, 
" Until I shall have finished ofi" this pall, — 
*' I would not that my threads should come to nought,- 
" A shroud for the lord Laertes, whensoever 

100 " Death's fatal Doom shall seize and lay him outstretched. 
'' That no Achaian lady in all the land 
'^ May blame me, as she might were he, who had owned 
" Great wealth, to lie not honoured with a shroud." 

* So spake she, and as for us, our gallant hearts 
'Were straight persuaded. There then, day by day, 
' Kept she indeed still weaving her large web : 

105 ' 0' nights, howe'er, and when she had set her torches, 
' She used to undo it again! For three years thus 
' She escaped our ken, and cheated us Achaians : 
' But when came round again the fourth year's seasons, — 
' One of her women, who well knew thereof, 
' Told us, whereat we went and found her at it, 
' Herself all ravelling out the splendid web. 

110 ' Then indeed, e'en perforce, howe'er unwilling. 



BOOK B, 25 

' She finished it. To thee the suitors therefore 
' Make answer thus, that both thyself may'st see 
' In thine own heart, and see may all the Achaians : 
' Send forth thy mother ; bid her wed e'en him 
' Her sire shall choose, and who shall please herself. 
115 * But if much longer yet shall she distress 

' The Achaians' sons by that shrewd wit of hers, 

^ Whereof Athene has given her such large measure, — 

' Both skilfulness in beauteous handiwork, 

* And a brave wit and cunning wiliness, 

^ The like of which we never yet have heard of 

* In any of all Achaia's fair-tressed ladies, 
120 * E'en those of old,— as Tyro, and Alcmene, 

' And comely-tressed Mycene : of those, not one 

* E'er matched Penelope for understanding : 
' JN'athless indeed not fitly has she thought 

' In this, this matter. Therefore still they'll eat 
' Thy victuals and thy goods, so long as She 
^ Holds yet such mood as this the gods have put 
125 * Into her heart : she makes herself indeed 
' Mighty renown ; to thee, howe'er, — regret 
' For loss of plenteous living. As for us, 

* Not ^0 shall we to our fields, nor yet elsewhither, 
Till wedded first has She Him of the Achaians, 

' Of whom she makes her choice." Straight answered him 
Telemachus, with prudent spirit : " Antinous ! 
130 ' From home, against her will, I may not thrust 

* Her who has given me birth, her who has reared me : 

* In a strange land my father too,-— he is living, 
' Or may be dead : bad business too for me 

* To render back to Icarius all her dowry, 

' Were I of myself to send him back my mother. 



26 



THE ODYSSEY II. 



' Sure from her father should I have hard treatment, 
135 ' And worse the gods would give me ; for my mother 
^ Departed from the house, would sure invoke 
' The hateful Furies : and from all mankind 
' Wrath would there be upon me : never therefore 
' Give such command shall I. But if indeed 
' Your hearts are rightly ashamed of your ownselves, 
' Quit ye my halls, go make your feasts elsewhere ; 
140 ' Eat that which is your own in turns together 

* At your own homes. But if to you seems This 

* Better and pleasanter, — without requital 

^ To bring to nought the living of one man, — 

* Why — fleece me ; yet, if ever Zeus vouchsafes 

* Eepayment for such deeds, I '11 cry aloud 

' On the everliving gods ; and may ye then 

145 ' Perish all unavenged within my halls !" 
So spake Telemachus, when lo, from aloft 
Far-seeing Zeus sent flying forth two eagles 
From out the mountain-top. On wings outstretched. 
They flew awhile, swift as with blast of wind, 
Each close to other. When, howe'er, they 'd come 

150 To the midst, right o'er the assembled parliament. 

There wheeled they about and shook their frequent wings, 
And looked on the heads of all, foreboding death. 
Anon then with their claws they tore themselves 
About the head and neck, then rushed away 
On the right, all through the Town, and past their houses. 

155 Then marvelled all, soon as before their eyes 

They saw the birds ; and pondered in their hearts 
What was to come to pass. Anon amongst them 
Spake thus an ancient lord, old Halitherses 
Mastorides ; for he by far surpassed 



BOOK B. 27 

All of his friends in knowing the flight of birds, 
And telling sooth from omens : with sage thought 
160 And kind he now harangued them all and said : 
' Hear me, ye Ithacans ! hear Now my words : 

* But chiefly to the suitors do I tell 

* And shew these matters, for on them is rolling 
^ A mighty mischief: for no lon^ time now 

* Aloof will be Odusseus from his friends, 

' But Is, I ween, somewhere at hand already, 
165 * And for them all he's planting death and slaughter : 

* And upon many another of us also, 

' Who have and hold in far-seen Ithaca, 

' Trouble shall be : consult we then beforehand 

* In good time, how to keep them under check; 
' And let them also check themselves ; for this, 

* This truly for themselves at once is better. 
170 ^ For not do I prophesy without experience, 

^ But well assured : and full accomplishment 

* I say there comes to Him of everything, 
' According as I told him, when on board, 
'The Achaian host were setting forth for Ilion, 
' And with them went Odusseus ever-ready : 

' I told him, how that after many troubles, 

175 ' And losing all his comrades, he himself 

' In the twentieth year, — ^unknown to every one, — 
' Should reach his home ; and now at last all this 
' Is on accomplishment." Straight answered him 
Polybus' son, Eurymachus : " Old Sir ! 
' Now wouldst thou prophesy,~go hie thee home 
' To thine own children, lest perchance hereafter 

180 ' They suff'er some ill-chance. Far better skilled 

* Am I, howe'er, than thou in matters here 



28 



THE ODYSSEY. II. 



' To prophesy. And flutters many a bird 
' Under tlie Sun's rays, yet not all prophetic. 
' But perished has Odusseus far away, 
^ As oughtest also Thou to have perished with him ! 
' So wouldst thou not be holding forth so much 
185 * In divinations, nor be urging on 

' Telemachus on this wise in his wrath, 
' In the expectation of a gift to thy house, 

* If haply he may give thee ! Plain, howe'er, 

' I tell thee this, and sure 't shall come to pass, — 
' If, — skilled in ancient and in various lore, 

* Thou, by thy talk, shalt wheedle and stir to wrath 
190 ' A man of the younger sort, — first shall it be 

' Eather distressing for himself; and nought 
' Shall he be able at all to avail thereby : 
' And, Sir, on Thee we '11 put a penalty, 

* To pay the which thou wouldst be grieved at heart, 
' And troublous pain shall be to thee. Nathless 

' Unto Telemachus will I myself 
195 ' Put this ; his mother let him bid return 

' To her father's house ; and there they'll bring about 
' A marriage, and prepare a wedding dowry 
' Eight ample, as 'tis fitting for his daughter. 
' Till then, methinks, not will the Achaians' sons 
' Eest from their troublous wooing : for we fear 

* No one, a whit ; not then Telemachus, 

SOO * With all his mouthing talk ! neither regard we 
^ This idle prophecy of thine, Old man ; 
' But hated art thou yet e'en more. Eaten up 

* Sadly howe'er will be his wealth, nor ever 

' Like as before will 't be, while of her marriage 
' She thus puts off the Achaians : we moreover. 



BOOK B. 29 

20b ' ' Looking out day by day, strive each to win 
' That worth of hers ; nor seek we other ladies, 
' To marry whom were fitting our estate." 
With prudent spirit Telemachus then answered : 
" Eurymachus, and all ye gallant suitors, 
' These things I entreat of you no more, nor longer 

210 ' Of such do I speak. For the gods and all the Achaians 
' Know them already now. But come, supply me 
' With a swift ship and twenty mates, to make 
' A voyage with me forth and back again. 
' For both to sandy Pylos and to Sparta 
' I'll forth for tidings of my sire's return, 

215 ' My long-lost sire ; if mortal man may tell me ; 

* Or I may learn by hearsay noised abroad 

' Some voice from Zeus, which most of all brings tidings 
' Unto mankind. Now should I hear the news 

* How that my father lives and is returning, — 

* I'll yet endure forsooth, howe'er worn out, 
' A twelvemonth round : but if I haply hear 

220 ' How that he 'is surely dead, and is no more, — 
' I'll then return to my dear fatherland, 
' And raise a mound to his memory, and perform 
^ Full many a funeral rite, e'en as 't is fitting ; 
' And then my mother will I give in marriage." 
So saying, he sat him down : whereat upstood 

225 Mentor amongst them : trusty friend was he 
Of blemishless Odusseus, who, when going 
On board his hollow ships, had given him charge 
Of all his house, and bade him heed the Old Man,^ 
And keep all safe and stedfast. Kind and sage, 
Outspake he thus and said : '' Now, Ithacans, 

* Laertes. 



30 



THE ODYSSEY. II. 



* Hear ye the word I'll say : of ready soul, 
S30 * Kind, mild, and versed in rigliteousness of heart 

* Let there be nevermore a sceptred king ; 

' But ever hard, wrong-doers may they be ; 
^ For that of all his people, over whom 
' Godlike Odusseus reigned, and as a father 

* Was ever gentle, — none remembers him ! 
235 ' I envy not howe'er these gallant suitors 

*The doing such violent deeds, with schemes of mischief; 

* For their own heads they hazard, when by violence 
' They thus eat up Odusseus' house, and think 

' He'll nevermore come back. But now I'm wroth 
^ With all you other people, how ye sit 

240 ^ In silence, and attempt not,— many although, — 
' With ever a word to hold back these few suitors ! " 
Anon Leiocritus, Evenor's son, 

Thus answered him; ''What! Mentor, full of mischief, 
' Distraught in wits ! what word is this thou say'st, 
' Calling for check on us ? But a hard task 
' 'T will prove for men, howe'er outnumbering us, 

245 ' To strive with us for mastery about our feasting. 
' Yea, e'en although the Ithacan Himself, 
' Odusseus, came upon us gallant suitors 
' At banquet in his halls, and thought to drive us 
' From forth the palace, — no great joy, I ween, 
' Should his wife have, at his returning home, 
' Longing howe'er she were ; — for on the spot 

250 ' A fate unseemly should he meet, e'en fighting 

* With odds to back : and thou not fitly hast spoken. 
' But now, disperse, ye people, each to his business : 

' And for the speeding of the prince's voyage, 
' Mentor will see to that, and Halitherses ; 



BOOK B, 31 

^ For they're his old hereditary friends. 
255 ' Yet, methinks, would he abide, howe'er long time, 

* Tiding's he'll hear in Ithaca, and never 

' Perform This voyage." Spake he thus ; and quick 
Broke up the assembly. Soon were they dispersing 
Each to his several home : but all the suitors 
Went up to the palace of the prince Odusseus. 
260 Aloof howe'er Telemachus withdrew 

Down to the sea-shore, where he washed his hands 
In the briny surf, and thus 'gan pray to Athene : 
** Hear me ! thou of the gods, who yesterday 
' Didst come to 'our house, and badst me forth by ship 

* Upon the darksome deep to inquire for tidings 
' Of my long-absent sire's return : but this, 

265 ' All this, the Achaians hinder ; and most chiefly 
^ Do the suitors, in their overweening mischief." 
So spake he praying : whereat anon drew nigh him 
Athene in Mentor's likeness, both in speech 
And bodily fashion ; then accosting him 
She spake these winged words : '* Telemachus ! 

270 ' Hereafter neither void of understanding 
' Nor coward shalt thou prove. If into thee 
' Has only been instilled thy sire's brave spirit 
' Wherewith was He so ready to make good 
' Both word and deed, — then shall thy voyage be 
' Not fruitless nor in vain : but if thou art not 

* The son of Him, Him and Penelope, 

275 ' No hope then might I have for Thee to accomplish 

* What thou desirest. For few sons, i' faith, 

' Are equal to their sire ; the more are worse ; 

* And few indeed are better. Since howe'er 
' Thou shalt not be hereafter either craven 



32 THE ODYSSEY. II. 

' Or void of understanding, — and the wisdom 
' Of sage Odusseus has not altogether 
280 ^ Forsaken thee, — then hope there is forsooth 

* Thou shalt achieve these matters. Wherefore Now 
' Let be the mood and will of the reckless Wooers, 

* All thoughtless as they are and void of order. 

' Nor wist they aught of the Death and gloomy Fate 

* Already at hand hard by them : for them all 

* To perish in one day. But not much longer 
285 * Shall be delayed this voyage thou desirest ; 

' For I, thy friend, thy father's friend, am He 

* Will fit thee out a nimble ship, and forth 

* I will myself escort thee. But go thou 

* To the palace, and there company with the suitors ; 
' And get provisions ready for the voyage, 

290 ' And pack them all in vessels, — wine in jars, 

' And barley-meal, men's marrow, in strong skins : 
' And go will I forthwith among the people 
^ And gather shipmates, volunteers : and .ships 
' Plenty there are in sea-girt Ithaca, 

* Both old and new ; whereon I'll have an eye 

295 * And choose the best, and soon will rig and launch her 
^ Into the vasty deep." So spake Athene, 
Daughter of Zeus ; whereat Telemachus 
Thought not to tarry longer, now he 'had heard 
The goddess' voice ; and straight he went his way, 
Mournful at very heart, up to the palace : 
At the hall anon he found the gallant suitors 

300 Flaying fat goats, and singeing hogs in the yard. 
Eight to Telemachus then came Antinous, 
Laughing, and clasped his hand and spake this word 
And uttered it aloud : '' Telemachus 1 



BOOK B, 33 

' Big talker ! of uncliecked spirit ! now let no fear 
' Of any trouble whether in word or deed 
' Weigh on thy soul, but come and eat and drink 
305 * With right good heart, as heretofore : and sure 
' For thee the Achaians will accomplish all, 

* All this,— choice oarsmen and a ship ; wherewith, 

* In search of tidings of thy gallant sire, 

' Quickly at sacred Pylos shalt thou arrive." 
In prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 
310 ** Antinous ! No ! 'tis nowise possible 
' To enjoy oneself in peace, or quietly 
' To feast with you, you overweening men. 

* Is 't not enough, ye suitors, how ye 'have clipped 
^ My many and fair possessions heretofore, 

* While I was yet a child ? But now indeed, 

' Since I'm grown up, and ask and hear advice 
315 ' Of others ; and the spirit within me waxes, — 

* I'll try to bring ill Destinies upon you, 

* Whether I'm gone to Pylos, or remain 

' Here in the land. I go howe'er, — nor fruitless 
' Will be this voyage forth whereof I speak, — 

* Mere passenger I go ; for I've not reached 

' The mast'ry of ship or oarsmen ; as forsooth 
320 * To You thus has it seemed to be more gain." 
He spake ; and easily disengaged his hand 
From out Antinous' hand : meanwhile, the suitors 
Were busy about their banquet at the palace. 
Anon 'gan they with cutting words and taunts. 
And thus spake some one 'mongst the saucy youths : 
325 " Sure now Telemachus is meditating 

' Death to us ! Either from yon sandy Pylos 

* He'll fetch some aid, or sure will he from Sparta : 

3 



34 



THE ODYSSEY. II. 



' For wondrously forsooth lie *is bent upon it ! 
' Or e'en to Ephyre's fat land he means 
' To g'o, and bring from thence some deadly drug 
330 ' And cast it into the mixing-bowl, and so 

' Destroy us all !" And now began some other 
Among the saucy youths : " But who, who knows 
' But that He too, gone off in the hollow ship, 
' Himself may perish far from all his friends, 

* A wanderer, like Odusseus ? so, indeed, 

* Yet further would he increase Our labour here ! 
335 * For all his chattels must we share then 'mongst us, 

' And give the holding of the house to his mother 
' With whosoe'er shall take her for his wife !" 
Thus they : but he to the storeroom of his father 
Went down,— a high-roofed, spacious room ; wherein 
Was lying both gold and brass heaped up, and raiment 
In chests, and oil sweet-smelling, in abundance. 

340 Therein were standing also, ranged in order 

Along the wall, casks of smooth, ancient wine, — 
Casks that within held unmixed, marvellous drink, 
In hope sometime Odusseus might return 
And reach his home, through toils however many. 
Close-fitted folding doors there were and double ; 

345 And night and day the stewardess was there, 

Who with right shrewd and careful thought had charge 

Of every thing within : 'twas Eurycleia, 

Daughter of Ops, Peisenor's son. And her 

Telemachus now called to the room and said : 

*' Come now, good mother, draw me out smooth wine 

* Into those twin-eared jars, — the daintiest wine 
350 ^ Next after that thou keep'st in hope to welcome 

' Hinif that Unfortunate ; if, if perchance 



BOOK B» S^ 

' Jove-sprung Odusseus e'er may make escape 

* From Death and violent Doom and reach his home. 

' Fill twelve, and fit them all with bungs : and pour me 
' Barley-meal into well-stitched skins ; and measures 
355 * Let there be twenty of the mill-bruised corn. 
' Let none but only thee know aught : and ready 

* Let them be all together : for at eve 

' Take them away will I, what time my mother 

* Is gone to her upper room, and thinks of bed. 

* For both to Sparta and to sandy Pylos 

* I'm going in search to hear, if haply I may, 
360 * Whatever tidings of my sire's return." He said ; 

Then out wailed Eurycleia, the dear nurse. 
And all in tears spake thus in winged words : 
"And why, dear child, did suchlike thought as this 

* E'er come into thy heart? and wherefore wouldst thou, 
' An only one, beloved, go forth to roam 

365 ' O'er many a land ? And perished sure has He, 

* Our prince Odusseus, from his country afar, 

' In some strange land ? For thee too, soon as gone, 
^ Behind thy back will They be plotting mischief, 
' That thou mayst perish by their cunning treachery, 

* And they themselves share all these things amongst them, 

* But stay thou here, abiding 'mongst thine own : 
370 'No manner of need for Thee to suffer troubles 

* Upon the fruitless deep, and be a wanderer." 
With prudent spirit Telemachus then answered : 

'* Cheer thee, good mother ! for this plan forsooth 

* Is not without the guidance of a god. 

' But swear, thou wilt not speak a word hereof 
' Unto my mother, till at least the eleventh 
375 ' Or twelfth day hence ; or till herself shall miss me 



36 



THE ODYSSEY. II. 



^ And hear I've sailed away ; lest haply in tears 
' She fret her comely face." He spake : whereat 
By the great oath of gods the old woman sware 
To be no tell-tale : straight, when thus she had sworn 
And perfectly completed all her oath, 
Into the twin-eared jars she drew him wine, 

380 And into well-sewn skins poured barley-meal. 
Telemachus howe'er returned to the hall 
Unto the suitors' company. Meanwhile, 
Bright-eyed Athene planned a new device, 
And in the likeness of Telemachus 
Went walking all about the Town and stopped 
To accost each man ; and bade them congregate 

385 Down by the nimble ship at eventide : 

The loan whereof then went she straight and asked 
Of Phronius' brilliant son : and he, Noemon, 
With kind and ready soul engaged it to her. 
By this the sun was down, and all the streets 
Were growing dark. Then down into the sea 
He hauled the nimble ship, and put therein 

390 All gear and tackle such as trim-built ships 
Are wont to carry on board, and made her fast 
At the creek's utmost end : and willing mates 
Came thronging all in clusters ; and the goddess 
Kept urging each. And now again the goddess 
Bright-eyed Athene schemed a plan yet else. 
And sped her way to the hall of prince Odusseus : 

395 There poured she a gentle drowsiness on the suitors, 
Dulling them as they drank ; and from their hands 
Their cups she tumbled out. Then straight they arose 
Forth for their sleeping berths about the Town ; 
Nor thought they to sit longer, now that sleep 



BOOK B. 37 

Was falling on their eyelids. Then in the likeness 

400 Of Mentor, both in form and speech, Athene, 
The Bright-eyed one, called forth Telemachus 
From out his pleasant halls : " Telemachus ! 
' Already now thy booted mates are sitting 
' All at their oars, and looking for thy start : 
' Then go we at once, else lose we time by the way." 

405 So saying, apace on led Athene Pallas, 

And close tracked he in the footsteps of the goddess. 
Soon down to the sea and ship they came, and found 
Their thick-haired comrades ready upon the beach. 
And thus anon his sacred mightiness 
Telemachus addressed them : '' Come on, comrades ! 

410 ' Now fetch we down provisions for the yoyage : 
* All packed together are they now at the palace : 
' But nothing does my mother know hereof, 
' Nor yet do any among the women slaves, 
' Save one alone has heard about the matter." 
So saying he led the way and on they followed : 
Then fetched they all the stores at once, and stowed them 

415 E'en as Odusseus' dear-loved son commanded, 
On board the trim-built ship. Anon on board 
Upclimbed Telemachus ; but first Athene ; 
And down she sat her at the stern of the ship, 
Telemachus beside her : and the crew 
Unbound the mooring ropes : then up themselves, 
Down sat they upon the thwarts. Whereat Athene 

420 The Bright-eyed, sent a fair tail wind from the West, 
A Zephyr, sounding on the purple deep. 
Right brisk, to follow them. With urgent voice 
Telemachus now bade his comrades all 
Handle the rigging : quick they obeyed his voice ; 



38 THE ODYSSEY. II. 

And straightway raised and set the pinewood mast 
Within its hollow amidships, and fast bound 

425 With forestays : then with ox-hide ropes well twisted 
Hauled they the white sails up. And soon the wind 
Swelled out the bellying sail : and mightily 
Shouted again the dark wave round her bows, 
As onward went the ship : and through the swell 
Making her way forthwith she ran along. 

430 Soon as throughout the dark swift ship they had made 
All tackle fast, — with wine they crowned up high 
Full brimming bowls, whereof they poured libation 
Unto the deathless, everliving gods. 
But, above all, imto Jove's Bright-eyed daughter. 
The ship meanwhile kept cleaving on her way 

434 Through the whole night, e'en till past break of day. 



BOOK r. 39 



AEGTJMENT OF THE THIRD BOOK. P. 

Telemaclius, with Athene under the appearance of Mentor, reaches Pylos ; 
where he finds the Pylians offering sacrifice on the sea-shore to Poseidon : 
he seeks tidings of his father from Nestor, the Pylian King, who in 
answer relates all he knows of the Achaians' return from Troy. Athene, 
after a while, departs suddenly, like a bird : and Nestor, recognizing 
her divinity, offers a sacrifice to her. Nestor forwards Telemachus in a 
chariot to Menelaus the king of Sparta. 



GAMMA : Telemachus at Pylos : Nestor 
Kindly receives and tells him all he knows, 
And with an escort speeds him on to Sparta, 



Leaving the beauteous lake, up rose the Sun 

Into the brazen firmament of Heaven, 

To give his light for the Deathless gods above, 

As too for death-doomed men on the bounteous Earth. 

Meanwhile came They to Neleus' well-built Town 

Of Pylos ; where the folk were on the beach 

5 Offering a sacrifice of bulls, pure black. 

To him who Shakes the Earth, Blue-haired Poseidon : 
Nine seats there were, on each whereof were sitting 
Five hundred men, and nine bulls were they offering 
For each five hundred : there then they partook 
Of the entrails, and were burning on the altars 
The thigh-bones to the god. Meanwhile to land 

10 Coming right straight were They ; whereat they furled 
And lowered the sails of the gallant ship, and moored her ; 



40 



THE ODYSSEY. III. 



Out stepped the crew ashore : then out stepped also 
Telemachus, Athene taking lead. 
To him Athene first, the Bright-eyed goddess, 
Anon spake thus : *' Of bashfulness no longer 

* Now hast thou need a whit, Telemachus : 

15 ' For 'twas for this thou 'hast sailed the deep, to seek 
' News of thy father, — Where the earth has hidden him, 
' And what the fate he 'has met. Then hie thee now 
' At once to the horseman Nestor : let us see 
' What counsel has he hidden within his heart. 
' And beg him tell thee truth : and not indeed 

20 ' Will he speak false ; for of a prudent spirit 
' Is he right sure." Anon Telemachus 
In prudent spirit replied : '* But, Mentor, how, 

* How shall I greet him, how shall I accost him ? 
' No manner of skill in ready words yet have I : 

' And shame moreover checks me, — a young man 
'To go with questions unto a reverend elder." 

25 Whereat replied Athene, Bright-eyed goddess : 
'* Telemachus ! Thyself, in thine own heart, 
' Wilt think out somewhat : somewhat too thy luck 
' Will bring to thee : for no, not born and reared 
' Art thou, methinks, without the gods' high favour." 
Athene Pallas, as she spake these words, 

30 Led on apace ; and close behind went he 

Tracking the goddess' footsteps. Soon they reached 
The seats and gathering of the men of Pylos. 
Now sitting there was Nestor with his sons ; 
And friends around, all busy about the feast, 
Were roasting fleshmeats, and were spitting others. 
Soon as they saw the strangers, forth they came 

35 All thronging and 'gan greet with hands and bid them 



BOOK r. 



41 



40 



45 



50 



55 



60 



Sit down amongst them. First Nestorides 

Peisistratus drew near, and taking tliem, 

Both by the hand, he seated them at the feast, 

Upon soft sheep-skins on the salt-sea sands, 

Betwixt his father and brother Thrasymedes : 

Portions of entrails then he gave, and ponred them 

Wine in a golden cnp ; and pledging health 

He addressed the daughter of ^gis-bearing Zeus, 

Pallas Athene : '' Now, stranger, pray 

' To king Poseidon : for this feast is His 

' Ye've happed to light upon in coming hither : 

' And when libation hast thou poured and prayed, 

' As it befits, then give thy friend here also 

' The cup of honied wine to pour libation : 

* For to the Deathless Ones he also, I trust, 

* Is wont to pray : and all mankind have need 
' Of the gods' help. Younger howe'er is he, 

* And of same age as I myself ; and therefore 
' Unto thee first I'll give the golden goblet." 
So saying, he put the cup of pleasant wine 
Into her hands : and gladdened was Athene 
At a man so sage in spirit and mannerly, 
For that he gave her first the golden goblet. 
Forthwith then prayed she aloud to king Poseidon : 

' Give ear, Poseidon ! thou who boldest the Earth ! 
And unto our prayers, grudge us not the achievement 
Of all these matters : first and foremost grant 
Glory to Nestor and his sons : and give 
A graceful recompence unto all the Pylians 
For this right noble hecatomb : and further, 
Vouchsafe Telemachus and me to achieve 
The business for the sake whereof we've come 



42 THE ODYSSEY. III. 

' Hither in our dark ship, and a safe return." 
Thus did she pray : and was herself the while 
Bringing it all to pass : anon she gave 
Telemachus the beauteous twin-cupped goblet ; ^ 
Whereat Odusseus' loving son prayed also 
65 In the like sort. Now when they 'had roast and drawn 
All the outer parts of the flesh, they portioned out 
Messes amongst them, and they feasted, yea, 
A feast right glorious. Soon as all desire 
For meat and drink they 'had put away, the horseman 
Gerenian Nestor thus 'gan first and said : 

Tis comelier now, now that they 'have had good cheer, 
70 ^ To enquire and ask our guests what men they be : 
guests, who are ye ? whence o'er watery ways 
D' ye sail? For trade of any sort? or roam ye 
At random o'er the sea in the manner of pirates ? 
A sort who roam about, risking their lives 
And carrying mischief unto foreign folk ?" 
75 Anon Telemachus in prudent spirit 

Taking good heart made answer : for Athene 
Herself did put good courage into his breast 
To enquire for tidings of his long-gone father, 
And that upon himself there should abide 
A gallant name among mankind : ^^0 Nestor 
' Neleides ! pride and glory of all the Achaians ! 
80 ' Thou askest whence we be : and I, I'll tell thee : 
^ From Ithaca, that underlies cape Neion, 
' We come : not public this, but private business 
^ Whereof I'll speak : for tidings far and wide 
' I come to seek, — if haply such may I hear, 
' Aught of my sire, the stout-souled prince Odusseus : 
* Having a cup above and a cup below. 



BOOK r. 48 

85 ' Who was, they say, with thee 'at the war, and sacked 

* The Trojans' Town. Heard have we of all the others 
' Who fought against the Trojans, how and where 

' Each sadly perished : but of Him indeed — 
' Has Chronides kept e'en His death unknown. 
' For none can say of a surety where he 'has perished : 
90 ' Whether upon the mainland has he fallen 
' By foemen's hands, or perished in the sea 
' Midst Amphitrite's waves. For sake hereof 
' Now come I a suppliant to these knees of thine, 

* If haply wouldst thou tell me of His sad death, 

' Shouldst thou perchance with thine own eyes have seen it, 
' Or heard the matter from some wanderer's mouth. 
95 * A woeful birth, sure, his mother gave him ! — 
' Nor through respect or pity think to soothe me 

* With honied words, but give me full account, 

^ What hast thou chanced to see. I pray thee, if ever 
' My gallant sire Odusseus, either in word 

* Or deed, did undertake aught and achieve it, 

100 * In the land of Trojans, where ye Achaians suffered 
' Hard troubles,— call it now to mind for me, 
' And give me a true account." Him then the horseman, 
Gerenian Nestor, answered : '* my friend, 

* Since thou recallest to my mind the hardships 

* Which in that land we, Achaia's dauntless sons, 
105 ' Endured ; yea what, when searching after booty 

' With ships we roved upon the darksome deep 
' Whithersoe'er Achilles led the way ; 
' Or what, when round king Priam's mighty Town 
' We fought ;— there slain then were our best and noblest: 
' There lies doughty Ajax, and there lies Achilles, 
110 ' And there Patroclus, equal unto the gods 



44 



THE ODYSSEY. HI. 



115 



120 



125 



130 



In weight of counsel ; there too my dear son, 

Antiloclins, at once both blemishless 

And bold ; on foot surpassing swift, and a warrior. 

And beside these, yet many a woe we suffered : 

Who forsooth, who 'mongst mortal men might think 

To give account of all our toils out yonder ? 

No ; shouldst thou stay with me five years, aye, six, 

To ask me a full account of all the troubles 

The Achaian princes there endured ;— -ere the end, 

Eeturn wouldst thou to thine own fatherland 

From very grief. For busy, nine years long. 

With every manner of wile did we contrive 

Mischief against them : and, but hardly, at last 

Chronides gave accomplishment. There— never 

Did any think to match himself in wisdom 

Against the prince Odusseus openly; 

For in all manner of wiles far, far surpassing 

Was He, — thy father ; if in very truth 

Thou 'rt sprung from Him : upon thee as now I look. 

Amazement holds me : for indeed the speech 

At least is like, nor wouldst thou think forsooth 

A man of the younger sort might speak so like him. 

Whilst yonder were we, — I and the prince Odusseus 

At two ne'er used to speak, whether in public 

Assembly, or at the council ; but together 

Both of one mind, with counsel and sage thought 

Considered all ways how 't were best for the Argives. 

But when we sacked Priam's lofty Town, and went 

On board our galleys, and the god brake up 

The Achaian host, — then, then indeed did Zeus 

In heart devise a sad retreat for the Argives, 

For that they all were neither just nor thoughtful ; 



BOOK r. 45 

Whence many amongst them met a troublous fate 

From out the deadly wrath of the Bright-eyed Maid, 

The mighty father's Daughter, — who set strife 

Betwixt the two Atreides : and they called 

The Achaians all to assembly in reckless haste, 

Out of all order also, at set of sun, 

(And they, the Achaians' sons came drunk with wine,) 

There stood the two to tell forth each his matter 

For sake whereof they 'had called the host together. 

Then forsooth Menelaiis 'gan to bid 

The Achaians all bethink of home-return 

Over the sea's broad backs : but ne'er a whit 

Did this please Agamemnon : he was rather 

For staying the host, and offering sacrifice 

Of hecatombs, to appease that terrible wrath, 

Athene's wrath : childish ! nor knew he this, 

How that not likely to be won was she ! 

For not in sudden haste forsooth is changed 

The purpose of the gods, the overliving. 

So stood they both exchanging angry words : 

Anon the booted Argive host upstarted 

With uproar wondrous ; and with minds two ways. 

The night we passed all pondering in our hearts 

Hard things against each other : (for upon us 

Zeus was contriving further troublous woe :) 

At dawn one part of us drew down our ships 

Into the vasty sea, and put our chattels 

And low-girt women all on board. Half the host 

Held back and stayed there with the people's pastor 

Atreides Agamemnon : and we, half. 

Embarked and soon were rowing : and our ships 

Began to sail right swiftly ; for the god 



46 THE ODYSSEY. III. 

' Spread smootli the vast and migMy-yawning deep. 

* And having come to Tenedos, to the gods 
' We offered sacrifice, longing for home. 

160 ' But not for our return was Zeus yet minded, 
' Merciless, for again a second time 

* He raised sad strife among us. Some indeed, 

* Those with the doughty and wily-minded chief 
' Odusseus, turned their rolling ships about 

' And went again to Atreides Agamemnon 
' To do him gracious service. I howe'er, 
165 ' With all the ships that followed me, fled on, 
' Since I began to mark, how that already 
' Our Chance was meaning mischief : on fled also 

* The warrior son of Tydeus ; and he stirred 

' His comrades on : and after some long time 
' Yellow-haired Menelaus followed us 

* And found us pondering in debate, at Lesbos, 
170 'On the long voyage, — whether should we sail 

' Above the rocky Chios, keeping it 
' On the left hand, and make for the isle of Psyria, — 
' Or below Chios, by the gusty Mimas : 
' Then did we beg the god display a token ; 
' And he, he shewed us more, and bade us cleave 
175 ' The middle sea to Euboea, as the quickest 
' To escape distress. Anon a fair tail wind 
^ Whistling sprung up ; and through the fishy paths 

* Eight swift our ship ran onwards ; and at night 

' Were moored in the creek Geraistos : to Poseidon 
' We offered many a thigh-bone there of bulls, 
' For having safely measured the broad sea : 
180 ' 'T was the fourth day, when Diomed Tydeides, 

' The horseman, and his friends moored their good ships 



BOOK r. 47 

' On Argos' coast : but I, I still held on 
' For Pylos ; and the fair wind never dropped, 
' After the god first kindly sent it blowing. 
^ Thus my dear son, I arrived,— in ignorance, 
' Nor aught do I know for sure of those Achaians ; 
185 ' Who safe and sound have 'scaped, or Who have perished. 
' Yet whatsoe'er I've heai^d, since settling down 
' Here in our palace, thou shalt also learn, 
' E'en as 'tis right, nor will I hide it from thee. 
' Safe, they say, came the spear-famed Myrmidons, 

* Led by high-souled Achilles' brilliant son : 
190 ' Safe Philoctetes too, bright son of Poias : 

' To Crete Idomeneus brought His troops also 
' All that escaped from out the war, for the sea 
' Bereft him not of one. About Atreides 
' Doubtless ye know, howe'er aloof ye dwell, 

* How he returned, and what a wretched death 
' Was wrought him by ^gisthus. He howe'er 

195 ' Indeed full sadly paid for it ! Oh how good, 
' Yea, that a son of the murdered man was left ! 
' Since vengeance on his noble father's murderer, 
' Yes, He did take, upon the parricide 
' Treach'rous ^gisthus. And, my friend, brave also 

* Be Thou, (for both right comely and tall I see thee,) 
200 ' That folk e'en yet unborn may speak thy praise." 

Then answered him again Telemachus 
In prudent spirit : " Nestor, son of Neleus, 
' Great Glory thou of Achaians ! well indeed 
' Took He revenge : and far and wide the Achaians 
' Will spread his fame, a song of minstrelsy 
' For times e'en yet to come. that the gods 
205 ' Gave Me such power to avenge me upon the suitors, 



48 THE ODYSSEY. III. 

^ For all their troublous riot and wantonness, 
' Plotting me mischief and despiteful treatment. 

* But suchlike happiness to me and my father 

* The gods have sure not spun : but patient now 

* One must needs be nathless." Anon the horseman 
210 Gerenian Nestor answered him : ^'0 friend, 

* Since hast thou, speaking thus, reminded me, — 

* They say, that for thy mother's sake there are 

* Within thy palace many men come wooing, 

' And who in spite of thee contrive sad mischief. 
' Tell me then, whether art thou willingly 
' O'erpowered ; or whether do the people, following 
215 ' The oracular voice of a god, hold thee in hatred 

^Throughout the land? But who knows but some time 

* Shall he return, and take revenge upon them 
' For all their violence ? whether he, he alone, 

* Or whether with him all the Achaians also ? 
' For if Bright-eyed Athene were but willing 
' So to love thee, as of renowned Odusseus 

220 ' She then took anxious care, in the Trojan land 
' Where we Achaians suffered woes : (for never 
' Witnessed have I the gods so openly shewing 

* Their love, as there by Him stood openly 
' Pallas Athene : ) were She but willing 

* So to love thee, and take such mindful care, — 
' Then should each one of Them, i' faith, forget, 

225 ' Yea clean forget his wooing !" — Anon replied 
Telemachus in prudent spirit: ** Sir! 

* This word, I fear, shall never come to pass ! 

' For too, too largely hast thou spoken ; amazement 

* Takes hold upon me : not of such event 

' Might I forsooth have hope, no, not indeed 



BOOK r. 49 

' Did e'en the gods will so." Whereat the goddess 
230 Brig'ht-e^^ed Athene straightway thus addressed him : 
** What manner of word was this, Telemachns, 

* Escaped thy fence of teeth ? A god, so willing, 

* Can easily rescue a man, e'en from afar ! — 
' And I, for my part, I would rather suffer 

' Yea many a hardship, did I but come home 
' And see the day of my return, — than come 
235 * And perish at one's hearth, as Agamemnon 
' Perished, by treachery, treachery of his wife, 
' And of ^gisthus. Yet indeed not Death, 

* The common lot, can e'en the gods themselves 

* Ward from a man howe'er beloved, what time 

* The baleful Doom of Death shall put him down 

^ And lay him outstretched forth." Whereat replied 
240 Telemachns in prudent spirit: " No further 
' These matters. Mentor, let us now recount, 
' How grieved soe'er : for Him no real return 

* Does there remain : but Death and gloomy Fate 

' The Deathless ones already have planned for Him. 
^ But now another matter would I ask 

* And question Nestor ; since beyond all others 
245 ' In prudence and right judgments is he skilled : 

* For now o'er generations three of men 

' Has he they say been King : that sure to me 
' He seems e'en like the Deathless ones to look at. 

* Nestor, Neleus' son ! and thou, tell true ; 

* How died Atreides, broad-realmed Agamemnon ? 

' And where was Menelaus ? What manner of death 
250 ' Did wily ^gisthus plot him, as to slay 

* One so much mightier? Was not Menelaus 
' In Argos of Achaia, but a roaming 

4 



50 THE 0DYSSE7. III. 

' Among mankind elsewhere, that so the traitor 

' Had courage for the murder?" Then the horseman 

Gerenian Nestor answered him : " Yea indeed 

* Will I, my son, I'll tell thee all and true. 

255 ' Sure This thyself mightst guess, how 't would have 
happed : 
' If Meneliius of the yellow hair, 
^ Atreides, had returned from Troy and found 
' ^gisthus yet alive and in his halls, 
' Then o'er him not when dead had they heaped up 
' A mound of earth ; but Him forsooth, his carcase 
'An outcast in the field afar from the Town, 

260 ' Had dogs and birds devoured and torn to pieces ; 
' Nor him had any Achaian woman mourned ; 
' For a most heinous deed was That he wrought. 
' But not so was't ; for we were yonder still 
' Bringing our many troubles unto an end ; 
' While he at his ease, snug in the grassy nook 

* Of meadowy Argos, with soft words kept wheedling 
265 ' The wife of Agamemnon : She forsooth, 

' The noble Clytemnestra, spurned at first 

* The unseemly deed ; (for a brave wit she had ; 
' And with her was there also a minstrel man, 

' To whom Atreides, at his going to Troy, 
' Gave many a charge to watch and guard his wife ;') 
' When Her howe'er the Destiny of the gods 
270 ' Shackled to be o'ercome,— then, then he took 
' The minstrel into a desert isle and left him 
' To be the prey and spoil of ravening birds : 
' And Her all willing at his will he led 
' To his own home. Then burnt he many a thigh-bone 
' Upon the sacred altars of the gods ; 



BOOK r. 51 

' And hanged them up full many a gallant gift, 

275 ' Tapestries and gold, at having thus achieved, 
' Beyond his utmost hope, a deed so great. 
' Now we, both I and Atreides Menelaus, 
' With kindly thoughts of friendship each for other, 
' At leaving Troy 'gan sailing close together : 
^ But when to Athens' headland, sacred Sunium, 
' We 'had made our way, there with his gentle shafts 

280 ' Phoebus Apollo attacked Atreides' helmsman 
*And slew him, Phrontis Onetorides, 
' Ship at full speed and helm between his hands : 
' Skilled beyond all mankind in steering a ship 
' Was he, whene'er were storm-winds driving fast. 
' Thus, though all eager for his course, the chief 

2^0 ^ Stopped there to bury his comrade and to pay him 
' Due funeral honours. When howe'er at length 
' Sailing the purple deep came he full speed 
' With all his hollow ships to the steep height 
' Of Malea,— there far-seeing Zeus devised 
' A hateful passage : and he poured against them 
' A blast of whistling winds, and swollen waves, 

290 ^Prodigious billows, equal unto mountains. 

' There sundered he the fleet, some ships whereof 
' He drove to Crete, where the Cydonians dwelt 
' By the streams of Jardanos. Now a certain rock 
' There runs down, smooth and steep, sheer into the sea 
' At Gortyn's utmost edge in the hazy deep : 
^Thither against the West headland at Phaiston 

295 ' The South AYind then was forcing a vast swell : 
' The little rock howe'er keeps off and parts 
' The mighty wave. 'Twas hither came the galleys ; 
' And, but with much ado, the men 'scaped Death : 



52 



THE ODYSSEY. III. 



300 



305 



310 



315 



320 



As for tlie ships, the waves brake them in pieces 

Against the sea-dashed rocks : but unto JEgypt 

The wind and water drave along and carried 

Those other dark-prowed galleys, five in all. 

'Twas thus then with his ships that He was there 

Eoving about to men of other tongues, 

And gathering stores of wealth and gold. Meanwhile, 

iEgisthus plotted that sad work at home 

And slew Atreides : then beneath his rule 

Bowed were the people. And o'er the rich Mycene 

For seven years was he king : but in the eighth 

To 'his bane came prince Orestes back from Athens, 

And slew the treacherous parricide iEgisthus, 

For having murdered his illustrious father. 

Him thus he slew, and forthwith gave a feast, 

A funeral feast to the Argives, when he buried 

His hateful mother and the weak ^gisthus. 

That very day came thither Menelaus, 

Doughty at the battle-cry, and brought much wealth, 

Freights all as much as e'er his ships could carry. 

And thou, my friend, be not much longer roaming 

Afar from home, leaving thy wealth behind 

And in thy house such overweening men, 

Lest all thy wealth they share and eat amongst them. 

And thou the while shouldst make an empty voyage. 

Yet I, I charge and bid thee go forthwith 

To Menelaus ; for from foreign parts 

And far oflf people newly arrived is He, 

Whence hopeless to his heart were all return 

To any one, whom stormy baffling winds 

Might once drive out upon such vast wide sea ; 

Whence not e^en birds within the year may pass. 



BOOK r. 53 

' For 'tis both wide and dread. But hie thee now, 
' With thine own ship and comrades ; or by land 
^ If wouldst thon rather, horses here and chariot 
325 ' Are ready for thee ; and ready too are my sons 
' To escort thee forth to lovely Lacedsemon, 
^ Where dwells our friend, yellow-haired Menelaus. 
' Beg him at once to give thee a sure true tale ; 

* And false he will not tell thee ; for indeed 

* He 's of right prudent spirit." He spake : meanwhile 
The sun went down, and shadowy night came on. 

330 Then thus amongst them also spake the goddess 
Bright-eyed Athene : ^^ Sir ! indeed right fitly 
' These matters hast thou told : but come, now cut ye 

* The tongues and mingle wine, that we may pour 
' Libation to Poseidon, and unto all 

' The Deathless ones, and then bethink we of bed ; 
' For now therefor 'tis time ; below the West 

335 ' Already is gone the Daylight ; and to sit 

' At the gods' feast too long is no-wise seemly, 

' But to withdraw betimes." So spake Jove's daughter, 

At]d unto her speech they gave good heed. Anon 

The pages poured them water upon their hands. 

And youths crowned high the mixing bowls with drink, 

340 Then charged the cups and handed round to all. 
And into the fire they cast the tongues, then rose 
And standing poured libation. When they 'had poured, 
And each had drank as much as heart desired, . 
Then both Athene and the godlike youth 
Telemachus were fain to go on board 
Their hollow ship again : but Nestor, urgent 

345 To keep them yet, attacked them thus and said : 
" Forbid it Zeus and all the Deathless gods, 



54 THE ODYSSEY. III. 

' That you go on board your ship and leave Me thus 

^ As were I one, aye, altogether coatless 

^ And needy, one that had no store of blankets 

' And rugs in the house, both for himself and guests 

350 ' Softly to sleep in! But I 'have plenty here 

' Eight goodly rugs and blankets. Sure then no, 
' Not shall the son of That brave Man Odusseus 
^ Betake himself to a ship's deck for his bed, — 
^ Never while I'm alive : and after me, 
' Then in my halls may still my sons be left 

355 ' To welcome guests, whoe'er as guests may come ! " 
Straight answered him Athene Bright-eyed goddess : 
'' Dear Sir! right kindly hast thou spoken thus; 
' And it befits Telemachus to obey thee, 
' Since thus 'tis comelier far. Wherefore let Him 
' Now go with thee, to sleep within thy halls ; 

360 ' But I, I'll go on board our dusky ship, 

' To cheer the crew and give all needful orders ; 
' For of the elder sort I alone amongst them 
' Can boast myself to be : and all the rest, 
' Men of the younger sort, and of same age 
' With mighty-souled Telemachus, have joined us 
^For sake of friendship. Thither would I now, 

365 ' And lay me by the darksome hollow ship : 

' To-morrow morn I go to the high-souled Caucons, 

* Where there's a debt, by no means new or small, 

* Is owed me ; and thou, speed thou meanwhile this youth, 
' (Since to thy palace has he come) — with chariot 

^ And with thy son ; and furnish him with horses, 
370 ' The which hast thou of the nimblest speed for running 
^And best for strength." So saying, Bright-eyed Athene 
Departed in the likeness of an osprey : 



BOOK r. 55 

Whereat amazement seized on all that saw. 
And he, the old man, gazed wondering- at the sight 
He saw before his eyes ; and by the hand 
He caught Telemachus, and spake this word 

37o And gave it utterance loud : '^ friend ! no weakling 
' Nor coward shalt thou be, I trust, if thus 
' The gods vouchsafe to escort thee in thy youth : 
' For of the dwellers in the Olympian courts 
' None else is This but She, the Forager, 
' Jove's Head-born Daughter, who thus favoured also 
' Thy gallant father among the Achaian host. — 

380 ' But thou, Queen ! be gracious ! and vouchsafe me 
^ A glorious name, both to my sons and me, 
' And to the reverend partner of my bed ! 
' And I, I'll offer thee a yearling heifer, 
' Broad 'twixt the eyes, mitamed, which no man yet 
' Has brought beneath the yoke. Gold roimd her horns 
' I'll spread, and therewith do thee sacrifice." 

385 So spake he praying ; and Athene Pallas 

Gave ear and heard his prayer. To his beauteous halls 
Anon with sons and sons-in-law the horseman 
Gerenian Nestor marched before his people. 
And when they 'had reached the far-famed halls of the king, 
On chair and bench they sat them down in order : 

390 Whereat the 'old lord he mingled for all comers 
A bowl of pleasant wine, which the stewardess 
In its eleventh year broached and loosed the stopple : 
A bowl hereof the 'old lord now mixed ; and poured, 
With many a prayer, the firstlings unto Athene, 
Daughter of iEgis-bearing Zeus. Anon, 

395 Libation made, and when they all had drank 
As much as heart desired, — their several ways 



56 THE ODYSSEY III. 

The guests went lionie to bed : but there, in the palace, 

Within the echoing corridor, the horseman 

Gerenian Nestor gave Telemachus, 

Godlike Odusseus' son, a sleeping berth 

On a fair bedstead wrought by turning-lathe ; 

400 And with him slept the marshaller of hosts. 
Spear-famed Peisistratus, who yet remained, 
Of the sons within his halls, a bachelor. 
To bed then went the king in the inmost chamber 
Of the lofty palace ; where the queen, his consort, 
Prepared and shared the couch and marriage-bed. 
When peeped the Dawn-sprung rosy-fingered Eos, 

405 Forthwith from out his bed uprose the horseman 
Gerenian Nestor : forth he came and sat him 
On the carved stones, all bright with oil and glistering, 
Before the lofty gates : in former times 
Thereon was wont to sit his father Neleus 
Equal in weight of counsel with the gods : 

410 But he, bowed down by Fate, was gone already 
To Hades' realm. Thus then Gerenian Nestor, 
The Achaians' Guardian, with a staff in hand 
AVas there now sitting ; and from forth their chambers 
Flocking together came his sons about him, 
Stratios, Aretos, Echephron and Perseus, 
And godlike Thrasymedes ; sixth and last 

415 Came lord Peisistratus ; and by the hand 
They led Telemachus, comely as a god. 
To a seat beside their sire. Then thus the horseman 
Gerenian Nestor spake the foremost word : 
'' Now quick, dear boys, my longing wish perform ye; 
' Chiefly of all the gods that I may win 

420 ' Athene's favour, who in bodily shape 



BOOK r. 57 

' Came unto me at the goodly feast of the god. 
' But go now one to the field to fetch the heifer, 
* As quick as may be, and let the herdsmfen drive her. 
' And to high-souled Telemachus' dark ship 
' Go one and fetch his mates all, save two only : 

425 ' And one go straight and bid the goldsmith hither 
' Laerces, to spread gold round the heifer's horns : 
' And all the rest of you, stay here together ; 
' And bid the damsels in our far-famed palace 
' Make ready a feast forthwith, and fetch both seats 
' And plenty of firewood cut, and fresh, bright water." 

430 He spake : whereat in haste they all 'gan bustle : 
Soon came the heifer from the field : and soon 
The mates of mighty- souled Telemachus 
Came from the good swift ship ; came too the smith, 
Smith's tools in hand, his implements of craft, 
Anvil and hammer and his neat-made tongs, 

435 Wherewith he used to work the gold : came also 
Athene, graciously to accept the offering. 
The 'old chariot-warrior, Nestor, gave the gold. 
Which the craftsman worked, and spread round the heifer's 

horns. 
That so the goddess might rejoice at the sight 
Of the gallant gift. Prince Echephron and Stratius 
Anon came leading the heifer by her horns. 

440 And, for their washing hands, came, bearing water 
In a bright burnished basin, the Prince Aretos 
From out the store-room ; with his left hand carrying 
The barley-meal in a basket : standing by. 
Sharp pole-axe ready in hand to smite the heifer,* 
Was Thrasymedes, warrior staunch in battle ; 

* So also the princes Jacob and Esau acted as butchers : see Gen. chap, xxvii.^etc, etc. 



08 THE ODYSSEY. III. 

While Perseus held the bowl to catch the blood. 

44o And now began the old chariot-warrior, Nestor, 
With washing hands and sprinkling barley meal : 
Then with the firstlings into the fire he cast 
The forelock, and to Athene prayed aloud. 
Soon as they prayed and tossed the sacred meal, 
Then high-souled Thrasymedes, Nestor's son, 
Stood near and smote ; and straight the sacred axe 

4o0 Sundered away the sinews of the neck, 

And loosed the heifer's strength : anon the women, 
Daughters-in-law of Nestor and his daughters 
Hymned with loud voice ; his reverend consort also, 
Eurydice, most honoured of the daughters 
Of Clymenos : up from the broad-tracked earth 
The men now raised and held aAvhile the heifer ; 

455 And the marshaller of hosts, Peisistratus, 

Then cut the throat ; and soon as the dark blood 

Had flowed full forth, and life had left the bones. 

They quickly cut her up, and all in order 

Cut out the hams, and \vrapped them up in the fat, 

Making a double leaf; whereon they piled 

Eaw pieces up : and he, the old chief, then burnt them 

460 Upon the billet-wood, and poured thereover 

The sparkling wine ; while by him stood the youths 
With forks five-pronged in hand. Now when burnt down 
Were the hams, and they 'had partaken of the inwards ;- - 
The rest all into pieces cut they and spitted 
Upon the forks ; and broiled them, as they held 
The sharp-pronged forks in hand. In the meanwhile 

465 The daughter last-born of Neleides Nestor, 
Fair Polucaste, washed Telemachus : 
And when she 'had washed and 'nointed him with oil, 



BOOK r. 59 

A comely mantle and coat she cast about him ; 
And like unto the Deatliless ones in fashion 
From forth the bath he stepped, and came and sat him 
By the side of Nestor, pastor of his people. 

470 Soon as they 'had roast and drawn all the outer flesh, 
They sat and feasted : then good men and true 
Bestirred themselves for the guests, and poured them wine. 
And bare it in golden cups. And when desire 
For meat and drink they 'had put away, the horseman 
Gerenian Nestor spake this foremost word : 

475 '' Now then, my lads, lead out those iine-maned horses, 
' And yoke to the chariot, for Telemachus 
' To achieve his journey." Spake he thus ; whereat 
They readily heard, and forthwith did his bidding. 
Then with all haste they yoked the nimble horses 
Unto the car ; wherein the stewardess 
Put bread and wine, and suchlike cates beside, 

480 As Jove-loved princes eat. — Telemachus 

Anon upstepped into the fair-wrought chariot ; 

And to his side on the chariot-board stepped also 

The marshaller of hosts, Nestorides 

Peisistratus, and took the reins in hand ; 

And touched them on ; and not unwillingly 

On flew the pair to the plain, and left behind them 

485 The lofty Town of Pylos. And all day 

They bare thwart both their necks and shook the yoke ; 
Till sun went down and every way grew dark. 
Then reached they Pheroe, and came unto the house 
Of Diodes, whose sire Orsilochus 
Was the ofi'spring of Alpheius. There they passed 

490 The night, and the host gave host-like entertainment. 
When peeped the Dawn-sprung rosy-fingered Eos, 



60 



THE ODYSSEY. III. 



They yoked their horses and again npstepped 
Into the fair-wrought chariot, and drove out 
From porch and sounding corridor ; and on 
With whip he touched ; and not unwillingly 
495 On flew they both ; and reached the plain, wheat lands, 
Where soon they brought their journey unto an end; 
> So swift their horses bare along all day. 
Till sun went down and dark grew every way. 



BOOK A. 61 



ARGUMENT OF THE FOURTH BOOK. A 

Telemaclius and Peisistratus are most kindly received by Menelaus. Tele- 
machus tells liim of the suitors' behaviour : Menelaus gives him some 
account of the Achaians' return from Troy ; and relates to bim a divination 
of Proteus, from whom he had first heard of Agamemnon's death, and 
that Odusseus was detained in the island of Calypso. The suitors plot 
how to get rid of Telemachus. Penelope, vexed at her son's going 
abroad, is consoled in a dream by Athene, who sends her a vision in the 
likeness of her sister Iphthime. 

DEL TA : Telemachus at Lacedcemon 
Hears tidings of his sire from Menelaus : 
The suitors plot his death, and lie i7i ambush. 



Thus reached they Lacedsemon's ample vale ; 
Wherein they now were driving unto the halls 
Of glorious Menelaus. Him they found 
Midst wedding feast and kinsfolk many about him ; 
A wedding both of a son within his house 
And of a spotless daughter. Her with pomp 
5 Forth was he speeding on her way to the son 
Of doughty Achilles ; for erewhile, at Troy, 
He 'had promised and agreed he so would give her : 
And now the gods accomplished them the marriage. 
Her thus was He now speeding on her way 
With horses and with chariots unto the Town — 
The far-famed Town of the Myrmidons, o'er whom 
10 The bridegroom now was king. Alector's daughter, 
A bride of Sparta, was he bringing home 



62 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

Unto his son, the sturdy Megapenthes, 
His last-begotten, whom a bond-slave bare him : 
No further issue did the gods grant Helen, 
Since when at first she bare her lovely daughter 
Hermione, whose comeliness was that 

15 Of golden Aphrodite. Thus all feasting 
In glorious Meneliius' high-roofed palace 
Were neighbouring friends and kinsfolk merrity : 
And 'mongst them was a sacred Minstrel, singing 
And playing upon his harp ; while in the midst, 
E'en as he led the measured song, two topplers 
Were whirling round before them. At the hall gates 

20 Now stood the youths, the lord Telemachus 
And Nestor's brilliant son, horses and all. 
Just come from forth the house, lord Eteoneus, 
A nimble page to glorious Meneliius, 
Spied them, when through the rooms he went his way 
To tell the tidings to the people's pastor ; 

2d Then standing by he spake these winged words : 
" Strangers are here, two men, of some high sort, 

* Jove-loved Meneliius, and they seem 

' Like to the race of mighty Zeus. But say, 
' Whether their nimble horses shall we unyoke, 
' Or send them on for other host to welcome." 
To whom anon spake thus in mighty wrath 
30 Yellow-haired Men elans : '' Heretofore 

' Not childish wast thou wont to be, forsooth ; 

' Now howe'er, Boethoides Eteoneus, 

' Thou babblest childishness, like any babe : 

^ Sure now we both have many a time, as guests, 

* Eaten the hospitable food of others, 

' And hither come at last ; and oh, that Zeus 



BOOK A. 63 

35 ^ Would henceforth make an end of woe ! But hie, 
' Unyoke the strangers' horses, and at once 
' Bring thein on indoors to partake our feast." 
He spake : whereat the page from forth the hall 
Darted along, and called yet other pages 
Nimble to follow with him. Quick they loosed 
The sweating horses from beneath the yoke ; 

40 And tethered them at horse^ cribs ; and before them 
Put rye, wherewith they mingled up bright barley : 
Then sidelong to the beaming wall in front 
They drew the car, and indoors led the strangers 
Into the wondrous palace : and, at seeing 
About the palace of the Jove-loved king, 
The}^ were astonied ; for there was a brightness, 

45 As 't were of sun or moon, in the high-roofed palace 
Of glorious Menelaus. When howe'er 
They 'had gazed with full delight unto their eyes. 
Straight stepped the}^ into fair-wrought bathing-tubs, 
And bathed. Soon as the damsels then had washed 
And 'nointed them with oil, and cast about them 

50 Coats and thick woolly mantles, forth they came 
And by the king Atreides Menelaus 
Sat them on thrones. Anon a serving- woman 
Brought water in a beauteous golden ewer 
For washing hands, o'er which she poured it forth 
Into a silver basin : then before them 
She spread a polished table. A reverend dame, 

55 The stewardess, from forth her ready stores. 

Freely brought out and set on bread before them. 
And many a cate beside. Then wooden trenchers 
With fleshmeats of all kinds the carver brought 
And set, and put beside them golden goblets. 



64 



THE ODYSSEY. IV. 



With greeting to them botli now spake the chief 
Yellow-haired Menelaus : ^* Now fall to, 

60 ' And be ye merry : and by and by we '11 ask you, 

' When ye 'have both supped, what countrymen ye be : 
' For not quite lost is Your, your race forsooth 
' Of ancestors, but sure ye 'are both of a race 
' Of sceptre-bearing' princes, Jove-loved Men : 
' For ne'er might low-born have such sons as Ye." 

65 He spake ; then took the roast-meat in his hand, 
The mess of honour set before himself, 
The goodly chine of beef, and put before them.=* 
Then on the viands ready laid before them 
They put forth hands. Soon as of meat and drink 
They 'had put away desire, Telemachus 
Holding his head full near to Nestor's son, 

70 That the others might not hear, accosted him : 
'^ Dear to my heart, Nestorides, Behold 

* The dazzling sheen of brass and gold and amber, 
^ Silver and ivory about these echoing halls ! 

* Now sure Olympian Jove's high court within 
' Is e'en suchlike ! What untold plenty is here ! 

7o ' Astonishment takes hold on me at the sight." — 
An inkling of his talk howe'er had the king 
Yellow-haired Menelaus ; whereupon 
Addressing them he spake these winged words : 
*' Dear lads ! Indeed of all mankind not one 
' Might vie with Zeus ; for His abode and wealth 
' Are all imperishable ; of men howe'er 

80 ' Some one mayhap in wealth may vie with me ; 

' Or may be not ; for sure I 'have brought me much 

^ On board my ships, through many a toil and wandering 

* See 1 Sam. ix., 23, 24. 



BOOK A, 6^ 

Both far and wide ; and in the 'eighth year came home. 

To Cyprus and Phoenicia, and to the ^Egyptians 

I wandered ; went to the ^thiops and Sidonians, 

And to the Erembians ; Libya too, where lambs 

Forthwith are horned. For thrice do the ewes bring forth 

Within the full accomplishment of the year. 

Nor master there nor grazier ever a whit 

Falls short of cheese or fleshmeat or sweet milk ;: 

But the year, in and out, imfailingly 

The flocks give down their milk. While I was thus 

Wandering about and gathering plenty of wealth. 

There lurked, unlooked for, one who slew my brother 

Through his pernicious consort's treachery. 

Thus, not with joy am I lord of all this wealth. 

Sure from your fathers, whosoe'er they be, 

Belike ye 'have heard of This ; how that full much 

I endured, and lost, lost utterly my house. 

This right fair dwelling, stored so full and rich. 

that I now with but a third part only 

Of all that wealth within my house were dwelling, 

Were but those brave Men safe and sound, who then 

Died in Troy's field, far from horse-pasturing Argos ! 

But for them all, yea all, do I wail and mourn ; 

And oft I sit me down within our halls 

To indulge my heart at times in lamentation ; 

At times again I stay me ; for soon comes 

A surfeit of chill woe. Yet not so much 

For Them, them all do I wail, grieved howsoe'er, 

As do I for One, whom when I call to memory 

It makes my food and sleep all hateful to me : 

For of the Achaians none e'er toiled so much 

As toiled Odusseus, and took trouble upon him : 



66 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

' But sure for Him 'twas destined should be trouble, 
' And for Me~grief, not e'er to be forgotten, 
' For sake of Him, so long, long gone away : 

110 ' Nor know we a wbit whether he 'is dead or liying : 
* Mourning for Him, I ween, are that old Man 
^ Laertes and the shrewd Penelope, 
^ And prince Telemachus ; whom but a babe 
' New-borD he left behind him in his house." 
He spake ; and sudden roused within the youth 
A yearning after tears, tears for his father.* 

115 At the hearing of his father, with both hands 
He upheld his purple mantle afore his eyes. 
And from their lids let fall a tear to the ground : 
But Menelaus noted it ; and doubted 
In heart and soul thereat, whether to 'have done 
With his being thus reminded of his father ; 
Or whether first to enquire and ask each point. 

120 As he was pondering thus in heart and soul. 

Forth from her fragrant, lofty room came Helen, 
Like unto Artemis with the golden spindle : 
For whom her maid Adraste set forthwith 
A fair-wrought lounge-chair ; and Alcippe brought 
A carpet of soft wool ; and Phylo brought her 

125 A silver basket, given her by Alcandre, 
The wife of Polybos, who dwelt at Thebes 
In JEgypt, where he has right plenteous wealth 
Stored in his house : he gave to Menelaus 
Two silver bathing tubs, and a pair of tripods ; 
And gold, ten talents' weight. And gifts yet further, 

130 Beauteous, his wife gave Helen ; and pressed upon her 
A golden distaff, and a silver basket 
* See Gen. xl. 30. 



BOOK A. 67 

With wheels beneath, and edged with lips of gold. 
This now the hand-maid Phylo brought to the qneen, 
By whom she set it, stuffed with curious yarn ; 
And stretched thereon the distaff lay, filled out 
135 With violet-dark blue wool. Then sat she down 
Upon the lounge-chair, footstool underneath : 
And thus anon the queen straight asked her lord 
Each point : *' Now wist we what, and whence these men 

* Boast them to come, Jove-loved Menelaus, 

' Unto our house ? False word shall I be saying, 
140 'Or true? my spirit howe'er thus bids me say : 

* None, methinks, neither man nor woman yet, 
' So like have I beheld, (and at the sight 

' Amazement holds me,) as This, this youth is like 

' Stout-souled Odusseus' son, Telemachus, 

' Whom That Man left at home a new-born babe, 

145 ' What time ye Achaians, pondering dauntless War, 
' Came forth to Troy, for sake of shameless Me." 
Anon then spake and answered her the king 
Yellow-haired Menelaus : " Yea, and I also, 
' I note, woman, e'en as thou seest likeness : 
' For just such feet were His, and such His hands, 

150 ' His glance of eye. His head and locks upon it. 

* And 'twas but now, thinking about Odusseus, 

* I 'gan to say what heavy toils and hard 

' He endured on my behalf ; whereat the youth, 

* Holding his purple mantle afore his eyes, 
' Let fall beneath his brows a bitter tear." 

155 Anon Peisistratus Nestorides 

Thus answered him : '' Jove-loved Menelaus 

* Atreides, marshaller of hosts ! yea truly 

' Indeed is this His son, e'en as thou sayest ; 



68 THE ODYSSEY. lY. 

But prudent is he, and all at heart ashamed, 
At the first coming hither, to make shew 
Of throwing words about him before Thee, 

160 ' Thee at whose voice, as 'twere a god's, we both 
Are so delighted. Me howe'er the old horseman 
Gerenian Nestor sent to accompany him, 
And be his escort ; for he longed to see thee, 
That thou mightst counsel him, to a word or deed 
Of some sort. For at home full many a trouble 
Sure has the son of a father long away, 

165 ' And unto whom there are none other helpers ; 
As now Telemachus : gone is his father ; 
And others has he none to keep off trouble 
Throughout his land." Whereat straight answered him 
Yellow-haired Menelaus : ^' Strange ! Strange ! 
Unto my house has come now indeed the son 
Of a Man right well-beloved, who for my sake 

170 ' Endured full many a toil. Think, yes, I did 
To welcome Him, beyond all other Argives, 
When he were come, had haply Olympian Zeus 
Vouchsafed us both a passage home o'er sea 
In our swift ships. A Town would I have given him 
To dwell in here in Argos ; and I 'had built him 

175 'A house, and fetched him out of Ithaca 
Together with his household and his son 
And all his people ; and had emptied for him 
One of these neighbouring Towns, ruled o'er by me. 
Then here we 'had been in intercourse together ; 
Nor had aught parted us fond friends and joyous, 

180 ' Until when Death's dark shade enfolded us. 

But this, I ween, some god did think to envy, 
Who thus from Him alone Unfortunate 



BOOK J. 69 

^ Has cut off His return ! " He spake ; and sudden 
Stirred in them all a yearning after tears. 
Then Jove-sprung Argive Helen wept aloud, 

185 And both Telemachus and Menelaus 

Atreides wept aloud : and the son of Nestor 
Kept not his eyes tear-less ; for in his heart 
He thought of blemishless Antilochus, 
Whom the bright son of radiant Eos killed : 
Thinking of whom he spake these winged words : 

190 ''Atreides ! Oft was Nestor, he the old man, 
' When in his halls we used to think of thee 

* And question each the other, — wont to say 

' That thou beyond mankind art wise in spirit. 
' And now, an't haply may be, list to me ; 
' For I, for my part, I not only enjoy not 

* Wailing at supper; but soon Dawn-sprung Eos 
195 * Will be with us : not that I take it amiss 

* To mourn one when he dies and meets his fate : 
' And last lone honour due to wretched mortals 

* Is this, to shear our hair, and down the cheeks 

* Let fall a tear. For dead too is one of mine, 
' A brother, no-wise meanest of the Achaians : 

200 ' But thou, belike, didst know him : I, howe'er, 
' Have neither faced nor seen him ; but they say 

* How that Antilochus excelled all others, 
'Swiftest in foot-race, doughtiest also in battle." 
Straight answered him the yellow-haired Menelaus : 
** friend, so be it, since all thou say'st is That 

* A man of prudent spirit would say and do, 
205 ' E'en one of earlier birth : (for, being the son 

* Of such a father, wisely speak'st thou too. 

' Eight easily known sure is the child of a man 



70 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

' To whom both in his marriage and his birth 
' Chronion gives the thread of destined bliss : 

* As now to Nestor has he given throughout, 

' Yea all his days, himself to grow old smoothly 
210 ' In peace at home, and have about him sons, 
' Prudent in spirit, and bravest with the spear.) 
' This wailing then, that erewhile happed among ns, 

* We'll have no more on't : bnt bethink we again 
' Of supper : quick then, let them pour us water 

* Upon our hands : and talk, though at early dawn, 

* Telemachus and I will have together, 

215 * And say our say at large." He spake ; whereat 
Water upon their hands Asphalion poured them, 
The nimble page of glorious Menelaus : 
And on the viands ready laid before them 
Hands put they forth. Anon the Jove-sprung Helen 
Contrived another matter : into the wine, 

220 Wherefrom they drank, she straightway cast a charm, 
Nepenthe,^ banisher of sorrow and anger, 
Bringing forgetfulness of every trouble ; 
A drug, the which when mingled in the bowl 
Whoe'er should swallow down, not that whole day 
Might he let fall a tear adown his cheeks, 
No, not were e'en his mother dead and father, 

225 Nor had they with the sword cut down his brother 
Or beloved son before his face, and He 
Had seen it with his eyes. Such choice, brave drugs 
Jove's daughter had ; which unto her were given 
By Thon's wife, Poludamna, an Egyptian ; 
Where bounteous Earth brings forth full many a simple, 

* Supposed to haye been the "Benj," mentioned in the Arabian Nights ; or 
"Bang," used to this day in the East. 



BOOK J. 71 

230 Many when mingled, good, and many baneful. 
Physician also, skilled beyond all folk, 
Is each one there ; sure, being of Paion's race. 
Now when she 'had cast it in, and bidden pour wine, 
Again straight answered she and said : ^'0 Prince 

* Jove-loved Atreides Menelaus, and here 
235 * Ye also, sons of gallant men, (nathless 

' Jove the high god deals forth both ill and good, 

* Now unto one, and now 'again unto another ; 
' For he can all things ;) sit ye now in hall 

' And feast and be ye merry and blithe with talk : 

* I'll tell ye somewhat fitting. Not indeed 
240 ' All can I say, nor name the many toils 

* Of the staunch-souled Odusseus : but one task 

* The brave Man did and took upon himself 

' In the land of Trojans, where ye Achaians suffered 
' So many a woe, was this ; with stripes unseemly 
' He beat himself, and like a menial slave 
245 ' With sorry wraps cast round about his shoulders 

* Into the foemen's broad-wayed Town he entered. 
' And with concealment made he himself appear 

' Like some strange beggar man, whereunto indeed 

* No likeness had he at the Achaians' fleet : 

' In such guise entered he the Trojan's Town : 
^ They howe'er, all, were unaware ; but I, 
250 ^ I only, — recognized him though being such, 

* And closely questioned him ; still cunningly 

' He shirked. Yet when I 'had washed and 'nointed him 
^ And given him clothes, and sworn a stedfast oath 
' Not to make known Odusseus 'mong the Trojans, 

* Until at least he 'had reached the fleet and huts, 
255 ' Then indeed all the Achaians' plan he told me. 



72 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

* And after slaying with his lengthy sword 

^ Full many a Trojan, back he went to the Argives ; 

* And took withal much knowledge. Wailing shrill 
^ Then 'gan the Trojan women all ; but I, 

' My heart was glad ; for long already in me 
260 * Turned was my soul full fain for home again : 
^ And that bewilderment I sore regretted, 
' Which Aphrodite sent, what time she led me 
' Yonder away from my dear fatherland, 
' Putting me asunder from my little daughter 

* And from my marriage-chamber and my lord, 

' One lacking nought, nought or in mind or person." 
265 Then, answered her the yellow-haired Menelaus : 
" Now verily all this at least, woman, 

* Right fitly hast thou told. I 'have conned already 
^ The mood and mind of many a doughty lord, 

' And gone about to many a land ; but such 

* Not yet have I e'er looked on with mine eyes 
270 ' As was the heart of patient-souled Odusseus ; 

' As now, for sample, This the brave man did 
' And took upon himself in the chiselled Horse, 
' Wherein were sitting all we Achaian princes, 
' Bearers of Doom and Slaughter to the Trojans : 

* Thereunto then cam'st Thou ; and thee some god, 
275 ' Who wished to hold out Glory to the Trojans, 

* Must sure have bidden ; and with thee 'upon thy way 
' Game prince Deiphobus of godlike fashion : 

^ Then three times didst thou walk about, and feel 
^ All round, the hollow ambush ; and thou calledst* 
' Name after name of all the Danaan chiefs, 
' Likening thy voice to the wives of all the Achaians ; 

* See viii., 518, etc. 



BOOK J. 73 

280 ' And I, and prince Odusseus, and Tydeides, 

* Sitting among' tlie midmost, heard thy shouting : 
' Both I and Tydeides were right fain and eager 

' Either to sally forth, or from within 
' At once to answer : but Odusseus checked 
' And held us back, fain howsoe'er we were. 
285 ' In silent stillness then remained all the other 
' Sons of Achaians ; save that Anticlus 
' Alone was wishing yet to answer thee : 
' But with strong hands upon his jaw Odusseus 
' Unceasing pressed, and so saved all the Achaians : 

* And still he held him, till Athene Pallas 
' Had led thee away." Anon Telemachus 

290 In prudent spirit thus answered him : ^^0 Atreides, 
' Prince Menelaus, marshaller of hosts ! 
' So much the worse ! for never a whit did This, 
' All this, ward off his lamentable death, 
' Not were the heart within him all of iron. 

* But come, send Us to bed : so may we enjoy 
295 ' Sweet rest beneath the sway of gentle Sleep." 

He spake : and Argive Helen bade her damsels 

Lay mattresses within the corridor, 

And cast fair purple rugs thereon, and spread 

Blankets for coverlets, and lay o'er all 

Soft woollen cloaks for wrappers. Torch in hand 
300 Went they from forth the hall and strewed the bedding. 

Forth also a page then shewed the guests their way. 

So then they went to bed in the entrance-chamber, 

Nestor's bright son and lord Telemachus. 

In the inmost chamber of the lofty palace 

Slept king Atreides and beside him lay, 
305 Fairest of womankind, the long-robed Helen. 



74 



THE ODYSSEY. lY. 



When peeped the Dawn-sprung rosy-fingered Eos, 
From bed uprose the doughty Menelaus 
And donned his raiment, and athwart his shoulders 
Girt on his keen-edged sword; and comely shoes 
He bound beneath his glossy feet ; and forth 
310 Like unto a god in fashion from his chamber 
He went, and sat him by Telemachus, 
And spake this word and uttered it aloud : — 
*' And prithee, lord Telemachus, what need, 
' What brought thee hither o'er the sea's broad backs 

* To sacred Lacedsemon ? — Public is it, 

' Or private business? Tell me this and truly." — 
315 Telemachus thereat with prudent spirit 

Then answered him : ''0 Atreides Menelaus, 
' Beloved of Zeus, chief marshaller of hosts ! 
' I 'm come, if haply tidings mightst thou tell me 
' About my sire : my house is eaten up, 

* And my fat fields are come to nought ; and full, 
' Full is my hall of hard, ill-minded men, 

320 ' For ever slaughtering me my bleating flocks 

* Of sheep and goats, and ring-horned, slow-paced beeves, 
' Men wooing my mother, men whose every 'haviour 

' Is wantonness and riot. On that account 

* Now to these knees of thine I come a suppliant, 
' If haply wouldst thou tell me of His sad death, 

* Shouldst thou perchance have seen it with thine eyes, 
325 ' Or heard the matter from some other wanderer. 

^ sure to a luckless birth his mother brought him ! 
' And give me not, through tenderness or pity, 
' Aught of smooth honied words, but tell me true, 
' E'en as thou haply hast seen him. I entreat, 

* If e'er at aU my father, good Odusseus, 



BOOK J, 75 

Promised thee aught and brought it unto an end, 
Either in word or deed, in the land of the Trojans, 
Wherein ye Achaians suffered many a trouble 
Bring' it now back to memory for me, and tell me 
A true account." Whereat in heavy grief 
Yellow-haired Menelaus answered him : 
' strange ! now sure were they, they puny weaklings, 
Wishing to bed them in the bed of a strong 
And mighty-hearted Man ! as when a hind 
Within the bosky lair of a mighty lion 
Should lull to sleep her suckling fawns, new-born. 
And then should forth to range the hill-side knolls 
And grassy dales for pasture ; and He meanwhile 
Has entered into his lair, and on them both 
Lets fly a death unseemly ; E'en so Odusseus 
Shall sure let fly upon Them a death unseemly ! 
Would, father Zeus ! Athene ! and Apollo ! 
Would were he such as once in fair-built Lesbos 
He upstood and wrestled in a rival match 
With Philomeleus' son, and felled him bravely, 
To the delight of all the Achaians' hearts ! 
might, yet such, Odusseus meet the suitors, — 
Find would they all how speedy was their dying, 
And bitter how their wedding ! — Now what thou askest 
With such entreaty, nought but simple truth 
Tell thee will I, nor swerve therefrom, nor cheat thee. 
A certain truthful Ancient of the Sea 
Has told me somewhat, not a word whereof 
From thee will I conceal or hide. In ^gypt. 
Fain hitherwards howe'er I was, the gods 
Yet kept me back, because not offered had I 
Full perfect hecatombs upon their altars. 



76 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

'And their behests the gods would have us ever 

^ Keep well in mind. Now in front of ^Egypt's river 

* There lies in the stormy deep a sea-dashed isle, — 
355 * They call it Pharos, — just as far aloof 

' As in whole day a hollow ship may accomplish 

* With brisk fair tail-wind blowing from behind. 

' Therein is a creek, with goodly mooring places, 

* Wherefrom may shipmen draw them darkling water, 

* And easily launch their gallant ships to sea. 

360 ' 'T was there for twenty days the gods detained me, 

* Nor e'en once rose there blowing upon the sea 

' Fair breathing winds, those givers of good speed 

* To ships on the sea's broad backs. And utterly 

^ Sure now had failed our victuals, and the men's lives, 

* Had not a certain goddess taken kind 

^ Pity upon me and kept me alive ; 't was the daughter 
365 ' Of mighty Proteus, Ancient of the Sea, — 
' Eidothea, for her heart I moved full sore, 
' As there she met me wandering sad and slow, 
' And lone, aloof from all my mates ; for roaming 
' Ever about the isle were they, and angling 
' With bent fish-hooks, and Hunger nipped the Belly. 
370 ^ Standing before me spake she thus and said : 
'^ Sure now a very child thou art, stranger, 
" Or passing slack of wit ; or purposely 
" Thou dalliest here, and tak'st delight in suffering, 
" For that this long time past thou 'art stayed in the isle, 
" And ne'er a remedy canst find, while drooping 
*' Is the heart of all thy mates ! " She spake : and I, 
375 * I answered her and said : *^ Of goddesses 

" Whoe'er thou art, I '11 tell thee, how that here 
" I 'm stayed not willingly a whit, but sure 



BOOK A. 77 

'* I must have sinned against tlie Deathless gods 
** Who dwell in the vasty heaven. But Thou, tell me, 
^' For well the gods know all things, — which of the Deathless 
380 '* Fetters me thus and lets me from my way 

'^ And home-bound passage o'er the fishy deep." 
^ I spake : and she, the fair of goddesses, 

* Answered me straight : '' Yea Stranger, I, I '11 tell thee 
" Eight truly : A certain Ancient of the Sea 

** Truthful there is, who hereabout frequents, 
385 " One who knows well the depths of all the sea, — 
*^ Proteus of ^gypt,— servant of Poseidon : 
" And he, they say, 'is my sire, and gave me being : 
'^ If now at all couldst thou waylay and seize 
'* Him, and keep hold, he then i' faith would tell thee 
'^ Thy way, and all the measures of thy voyage, 
390 " For home -bound passage o'er the fishy deep. 

** Nay further, Jove-loved Prince, — if so thou wouldst, — 
'^ He '11 tell thee whatsoe'er within thy halls, 
*' Both good and ill, has happed while thou 'rt away 
" Upon thy long and troublous course." She spake : 

* Whereat I answered her : " Do thou thyself 
395 " Now point me out th.e way whereby to watch 

^^This wondrous Ancient, lest perchance from afar 
'^ He spy me, or know beforehand, and so avoid me ; 
'^ For hard, i' faith, to be subdued is a god 
*' By a mortal man." I spake : whereat forthwith 
' The fair of goddesses she answered me : 
'* Tell thee will I, and that right truly, Stranger ! 
400 ** Soon as the Sun has climbed the midmost heaven, 
'' Forth comes the unerring Ancient of the Sea 
'' From out the brine, and veiled in darksome ripple 
** Under the breath of Zephyr : forth he goes 



78 



THE ODYSSEY. IV. 



" And lays him down to sleep in the hollow caves. 
" Risen too from out the surfy brine, in throngs 
" About him are there Sea-calves lying' asleep, 

405 ^' The comely Sea-born Halosydne's brood, 

^* All breathing forth the deepmost sea's rank stench. 
'' Thither I'll guide thee, at earliest peep of Eos, 
" And lay thee in ambush orderly : and thou, 
'* Choose thee with care three mates, the best thou hast 
'* In all thy trim-built ships. But now I'll tell thee 

410 '' All the pernicious 'haviours of this Ancient : 

" First then, he'll count the seals, and go amongst them, 
*^ And when he 'has told them off upon his fingers, 
" And eyed them all, he '11 lay himself in the midst, 
" As does a shepherd midst his flocks of sheep. 
*' Now soon as e'er you spy him fallen asleep, 

415 ^' Then, then let strength and boldness be your care. 

" There on the spot straight hold him tight, how striving 
'* And fain soe'er to escape thee ; and he'll become 
'* All things and try ; whatever there creeps on Earth, 
" And Water, and a furious-torching Fire ! 
" Yet hold him you unmoved and gripe the more : 

420 '^ But when all such again, as. when you saw him 

" Basking asleep, he himself shall ask thee questions, — 
" Then stay your force, my lord, and loose the Ancient, 
" And ask him which of the gods is hard against thee, 
" And how for home mayst cross the fishy deep." 

425 ' So saying, she plunged beneath the billowy sea. 
' I to our ships, where lay they upon the sands, 
' Went straight, my heart the while all darkly troubled. 
' And when I reached the sea and my ship, we made us 
' Our supper ready, and soon ambrosial Night 

430 ' Came on ; then down on the sea-shore lay we and slept. 



BOOK A. 79 

' And soon as rosy-fingered Eos peeped, 

* Sprung from the womb of Dawn, then went I forth, 
' With many a prayer to the gods, along the beach 

* Of the broad- way ed Sea ; and with me I took three 

comrades, 
' On whom for any push I chiefly trusted. — 
435 ' Under the Sea's broad bosom She meanwhile 

* Had plunged and brought four Seal-skins from the deep, 
' Skins fresh-stripped all : and soon contrived a trick 

^ Against her sire : beds then she scooped us out 

* In the sea-sands, and sat her down and waited : 

' Where close to 'her soon came We : then one by one 
' She laid us all in ambush, and on each 
440 ' She threw a skin : then sure most horrible 
' That ambush was ! for horribly the stench, 

* That most unwholesome smell of brine-fed seals, 

' Distressed us ! Who, who e'er would think to bed him 
' Beside a huge, rank sea-calf? She howe'er 

* Preserved us, and devised a great refreshment : 

445 ' She fetched ambrosia, breathing forth rare sweetness, 
' And put beneath the nostrils of us all, 
' And quenched the rancid seal-stench. The whole forenoon 
' Thus with staunch heart we stirred not. From the sea 
' Sea-calves came herding forth, and ranged themselves 
' Basking along the sea-shore. And at noon 

450 ' From out the sea came the Ancient also, and found 
' His well-fed seals ; and unto them all he went 

* And told the number : foremost Us too he counted 
' Among the seals ; nor had he at heart any inkling 
' At all of a trick, but laid him down and slept 

* Just as he was. We anon, we rushed upon him 

' With sudden shout, and flung our arms about him : 



80 ' THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

45o ' But not did the Ancient then forg-et, not He, 
^ His wily trade : but now became, in a trice, 
' A lion with shaggy mane ; anon a dragon ; 

* A panther now : then a huge hog : and then, 
' All running water he became ; then a tree, 

^ Towering with lofty foliage : We howe'er 

' With staunch heart held him all unmoved the while. 

460 ' But when at length He, the Ancient wizard-^, skilled 
' In tricks pernicious, found himself distressed, 
' Then thus he questioned me and said : " Now who, 
'' Atreus' son, who of the gods has been 
'* Thy fellow-counsellor, that thou shouldst watch 
'^ And take me against my will ? What dost thou want?" 
' He spake : and I straight answered him and said : 

465 " Ancient ; thou know'st, (then why dost ask such questions, 
'* Misleading me ?) how that this long time now 
" I'm stayed in the island ; and no remedy 
" Can I find out ; and my heart droops within me. 
" But tell me Thon, (for the gods know every thing,) 
'^ Which of the Deathless ones is 'it fetters thus 
^' And bars me from my voyage : tell me too, 

470 '' For home-bound passage o'er the fishy deep." 

* I spake : whereat he answered me again : 

'^ To Zeus and all the gods most sure thou oughtest 
" To sacrifice fat victims, then take ship, 
'' So may'st thou sail across the purple deep, 
'^ And reach thy fatherland the speediest way. 
475 ^' For 'tis not destined thee to see thy friends, 
''And reach thy well-built home and fatherland, 
''Till first to the water of the rain-fed river 
" Of ^gypt hast thou gone again, and offered 
" Due sacred hetabombs to the Deathless gods 



BOOK A. 81 

' Who dwell in the vasty heaven : and then the voyage, 

'Thou so desirest, will the gods vouchsafe thee." 

He spake : but I, my very heart was crushed, 

For that he bade me back again into ^gypt 

O'er the dark sea, a troublous way and long. 

Nathless I thus replied and answered him : 

' Ancient ! e'en as thou bidst, I'll do these things. 

* But come now, give me a true account and tell me, 

* Have all the Achaians with their ships returned 

* Scatheless, whom I and Nestor left behind us 
' At setting forth from Troy ? or on board ship 

' By a death unlooked-for has there any perished, 

* Or died has any one in the arms of friends, 

' Since winding up the war ? " I spake : whereat 

He answered me again : " Atreides, why, 

' Why askest me these questions ? neither a whit 

' Behoves it thee to know nor sift my mind ; 

' Nor without tears, methinks, wilt thou be long, 

' Whene'er thou 'hast quite heard all : for many indeed 

' Of those are dead, and many are left behind. 

' Chiefs of the brass-clad Argives but two only 

* Have perished in their home-bound course : (and thou 
' Thyself wast witness of the fallen in battle :) 

' And one, I ween yet living, is kept back 

' By the broad sea. Among his long-oared ships 

' Prince Ajax died : at first indeed Poseidon 

' Vouchsafed to land him on those huge round rocks, 

' The Gyrse, and saved him thus from out the sea : 

' And sure then had he 'scaped a violent doom, 

' Hated although by Athene, — had he not 

' Let fall a haughty word, and heinously 

' Done wrong : Escape the vasty Deep of the Sea 

6 



82 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

" He said he Would, in spite of all the gods ! 

505 " But this big boast Poseidon heard him ntter, 

" Whereat with sturdy hands he grasped his trident, 
^^ Smote the Gyrsean rock and sundered it : 
'' One part thereof yet stood : but into the deep 
*' Fell the other piece, whereon was Ajax sitting 
'^ And just afore had sinned so heinously ; 

510 '^ And down along the billowy boundless deep 

" It hurried him. Thus there he drank the brine, 
"And thus he perished. From such doom howe'er 
" Amongst his hollow ships thy brother 'scaped 
'* And came off safe : for the lady Here saved him. 
" But just as was he about to reach the cape 

515 " Of Malea's high steep shore, a whirlwind caught 
" And hurried him with many a heavy groan 
" Along the fishy deep to the utmost point 
"Of that sequestered field, where formerly 
" Thyestes had his dwelling : then, howe'er, 
"Was dwelling there Thyestes' son, ^gisthus. 
" But when e'en thence there seemed safe homeward way, 

520 " The gods then changed again the wind to fair, 
" And homewards thus they came : joyful indeed 
" Upon his fatherland he went ashore, 
"And clung to and kissed his fatherland ; and off him 
"Was many a hot tear poured, for that he looked 
" Eight gladly upon the land. But there espied him 
" A watchman from his look-out place on high, 

525 " Whom thither had the wily ^gisthus brought 

" And set ; and promised him a pay, of gold two talents : 
" So watched he for a twelvemonth, lest thy brother 
" Should pass and 'scape unnoticed, and bethink him 
" Of a furious might. Anon to tell the tidings 



BOOK A. 83 

" To the people's pastor went he his way to the palace. 
'' Then straightway ^gisthus planned his treacherous trade: 

530 *^ Twenty the best men chose he from the people, 
*' And set an ambush, and on the other side 
*' He bade make ready a feast : and forth went He 
*' To invite the people's pastor, Agamemnon ; 
*' With horses and with chariots went he, pondering 
" Unseemly deeds. Then back to the halls he took him, 
'* Him with no thought of death, and slaughtered him 

535 "At feast, e'en as"one slays an ox at stall : 
"Nor was there left of all Atreides' train 
" E'en one alive, nor of ^gisthus', one ; 
" But slaughtered were they all in the banquet room." 

* He spake : but I, my very soul was crushed : 
' I wept, as there I sat upon the sands ; 

540 * Nor longer had my heart a wish to live 

' And see the sunlight. When howe'er of wailing 
' And torturing rack of grief I 'had my fill, 

* Then spake the unerring Ancient of the Sea : 
" No more, son of Atreus ! weep no longer 
" Ceaselessly thus ; for no good end thereby 

545 " Shall we accomplish : but with swiftest speed 
" Try how to reach thy fatherland. For either 
" Him shalt thou catch alive, or haply Orestes 
" Beforehand shall have slain him ; and mayhap 
" Partaker shalt thou be of his funeral feast." 

* He said : and straight my heart and manly spirit 

* Was thereby cheefed again within my breast, 
550 ' Sad howsoe'er I was : anon I addressed him 

' And spake these winged words : " Of Those now I know ; 
" But tell me thou the name of that third man, 
" Who living yet is barred by the vasty deep, 



84 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

" Or whether dead : I wish nathless to hear, 

'^ However grieved." I spake : whereat he answered : 

555 ^' 'Tis Laertiades, of Ithaca. 

*^ Him shedding down the big warm tear I've seen 
'' Upon an island, at the abode of a Nymph 
'* Calypso, who there keeps him back perforce : 
'' Nor has he power to reach his fatherland : 
''For neither ships equipped with oars, nor comrades 

560 " Has he to speed him o'er the sea's broad backs. 
" And for Thyself, Jove-loved Menelaus, 
" Not destined is 'it for thee to meet thy fate 
" And die in horse-pasturing Argos ; but the gods 
** Will speed thee to the Elysian field. Earth's end ; 
*' (Where Khadamanthys dwells, the yellow-haired : 

dQ6 " Sure for folk There is easiest manner of life ; 

*' No snow, and not much rain, and never a storm ; 
^' But the Ocean sends forth ever from North West 
'* Zephyr's clear whistling breezes, to refresh 
*' The souls of men :) thee will the gods send thither, 
" Because thou 'hast Helen for thy wife, and thus 
" To Them the Son-in-law of Zeus thou art." 

570 ' So saying, he plunged beneath the billowy deep. 

* Straight with my godlike mates went I to the ship 

' While upon many a thought my heart kept brooding. 

* Now when we 'had reached the Sea and my ship, we 

made us 
' Our supper ready, and soon the Night came on, 
^ Ambrosial Night ; then down we lay to sleep 
575 * On the sea shore. And soon as peeped again 

^ Kose-fingered Eos, sprung from the womb of Dawn, 

' Into the vasty sea first hauled we our ships, 

' And put their masts and sails on board ; then up 



BOOK A. 85 

' The crews went also and sat them on the thwarts : 
'And sitting ranged in order with their oars 
580 ' They smote the surfy sea. Back into iEgypt, 
' The rain-fed river, there I moored the ships, 

* And sacrificed full perfect hecatombs. 

' And when I 'had calmed the wrath of the Deathless gods, 

* I heaped a mound in memory of Agamemnon, 
' Whereby his fame should be unquenchable. 

585 ' This done, I sailed again : and a fair wind 

' The Deathless gave me and sped me swiftly home 

* To my dear fatherland. But now, I prithee, 

* Here in my halls yet stay with me awhile, 

* Eleven or twelve days : then good speed I'll give thee 
' And gallant gifts ; three horses and a chariot 

590 ' Cunningly shaped ; and a fair cnp embossed 
' To boot I'll give thee, wherewithal to pour 

* Libation to the Deathless gods, and ever 

' Eecal me to thy mind." Then answered him 
Telemachus in prudent spirit : ^' Atreides, 
' Keep me not now, not now, so long time here ; 
595 ' Though sure with Thee right well content were I 

* To stay a twelvemonth round, without regret 
' Of home or parents ; for a strange delight 

' I take in listening to these tales of thine : 

* But, before this, my mates at sacred Pylos 

' Are troubled for me, and Thou the while art here 
' Keeping me back. And whatsoe'er thy gift, 
600 ' Let it be such as I may treasure up ; 
' Horses I would not take to Ithaca ; 
' But for thine own delight would leave them here ; 
' For lord art Thou of broad and level lands, 
' Where clover plenteous thrives, and galingale. 



Ob THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

* Grain too, bright barley spreading wide, and spelt. 
605 In Ithaca, bowe'er, neither broad runs 

' Are there, nor aught like meadow : goats it feeds, 
' And lovelier 'tis by far than feeding horses. 
' For of those isles that lie so steep to the sea 
' Not one is fit for horsemanship or driving, 

* Nor with good meadows — one : and Ithaca 

' Is such beyond them all." He said : whereat 
610 The doughty warrior Menelaus smiled. 

And stroked him with his hand, and spake this word 
And gave it utterance loud : *' Thou art of gallant 
' Brave blood, my boy, to talk on this wise. Wherefore 
^ I'll change for thee these gifts : I can do that. 

* And give thee I will the costliest and the goodliest 

* Of all the treasured gifts within my house. 

615 ' I'll give thee a fair-wrought mixing-bowl : 'tis all 
' Of silver, and the lips are crowned with gold, 

* Hephaistos' handiwork : 'twas given to me 

* By the Sidonians' king, lord Phaidimos,^ 
'What time his palace erewhile gave me shelter 
' Upon my homebound passage, and with thee 

' I wish it now to go." In suchlike talk 
620 Together they conversed. Anon came guests 
For club-feast unto the halls of the sacred king. 
Came driving cattle and bringing right brave wine : 
In comely tires their wives came also, and brought 
Their cates of meal. So thus were they all busy 
About their banquet at the king's great halls. 



625 Meanwhile, before the palace of Odusseus 

The suitors were at sport, hurling with quoits 

* Supposed to be Solomon. 



BOOK A. 87 

And hunting-spears, upon the smooth-wrought pavement, 
Where 't was their wont aforetime to display 
Their riotous 'haviour. Now the prince Antinous 
Had sat him down ; so too Eurymachus 
Of godlike fashion ; chiefs among the suitors 
630 Were they and by far the best in rank and prowess : 
Anon to them Noemon, son of Phronius, 
Drew near, and of Antinous made enquiry 
And said : *^ Antinous! have we, or have we not, 

* Knowledge at all of when Telemachus 

' Comes back from sandy Pylos ? for he took 

* My ship and went : and I 'have now need thereof, 
635 * For going across to the broad lands of Elis, 

^ Where twelve brood-mares I have, with colts at foot, 
' Mules, bred for drudgery, and as yet unbroken ; 

* One whereof would I fetch for breaking in." 
He spake : whereat astonied were they at heart : 
For little wist they he was gone to visit 
Neleian Pylos, but in the field somewhere 

640 They thought him biding, either with the flocks 

Or with the swineherd. Straight then answered him 
Eupeithes' son, Antinous : " Tell me and truly, 

* When went he away ? and who the lads gone with him ? 
' Choice ones of Ithaca? or are they his own 

' Hirelings and serfs ? And This, how could he achieve it ? 

645 ' And tell me this, that I may know of a surety : 
' Took he thy ship by force against thy will ? 
' Or at his warm entreaty didst thou grant it 
' Willingly to him T Straight answered him Noemon 
The son of Phronius : " Willingly I granted : 
' What, what would any other one have done, 

650 * When such a man, with cares like his at heart, 



88 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

' Should ask ? 'T were hard in such case to say No ! 

* And lads, the best amongst us in the land, 

' They are his comrades : and, as their commander, 
' One going on board I noted, either Mentor 
' Or else a god : yet 'twas His very likeness. 

Q^^ ' At this howe'er I marvel : here I saw 

' Prince Mentor, yestermorn ; and yet he stepped 
' On board for Pylos Then" So saying, forthwith 
Away he went to his father's halls. But they, 
The gallant spirit of both was all astonied. 
Anon the suitors all sat down together 

660 And ceased their games. Then thus Eupeithes' son 
Antinous, troubled sore, outspake amongst them ; 
And stifled was his heart with mighty rage. 
And like a flashing fire were both his eyes : 
" Strange! now proudly sure has been achieved 

* This by Telemachus, a terrible work, 

* This voyage forth ! and we the while were thinking 
^Qo * 'T was safe beyond his compass : but in spite 

' Of all the sort of us, he, a mere boy, 

* Picks out for crew the choicest in the land, 

' And hauls him down a ship, and forth he goes ! 

* Forth, too, will he begin to be our trouble : 

' Yet ere he plant Us mischief, may high Zeus 
' Bring all his bodily strength to nought ? But come, 
670 ' Give me a good swift ship, and twenty comrades, 

* So I'll waylay him as he comes, and for him 

' I'll watch in the narrow strait 'twixt craggy Samos 
' And Ithaca : so haply all to his peril 
' After his father sadly goes he a sailing !" 
He spake : and all forthwith agreed and urged ; 
Then rose and entered into Odusseus' palace. 



BOOK A. ,89 

67o Not long howe'er remained Penelope 

Without acquaintance of the deep-laid plans, 

Whereon the suitors in their hearts were brooding : 

The herald Medon told her : for their counsels 

He heard from the outside of the court, while they 

Their plan within were weaving. Straight through the halls 

He went his way to tell Penelope : 

680 And as he cleared the threshold into the room 
Penelope addressed him : '' Herald ! and why, 
' Why have those gallant suitors sent thee forth ? 
' Is it to bid Odusseus' women-slaves 

* Leave off their tasks to get the banquet ready 

' For Tkem ! Those Wooers ! No ! never may they meet 
' Together again ! but may they now eat here 
685 ' Their last and latest meal : how for ever 
' Ye herd together, cropping down and wasting 
'The goodly estate and living of my son, 
' My brave Telemachus ! and from your fathers 

* Nought have ye heard aforetime while yet boys, 
' What was the wonted 'haviour of Odusseus 

* Among your sires, how neither lawlessly 
690 ' Dealt he with any one, nor uttered wrong 

' Ever among his people, as is the way 
' So oft with royal princes ; shewing spite 

* Hateful to one, and friendly love to another. 
' But he forsooth ne'er treated any man 

* Presumptuously : — but this indeed your spirit, 
' And your unseemly deeds are manifest, 

695 ' Nor have ye any manner of thankfulness 

' For bygone deeds of kindness." Whereupon 
Thus answered Medon, skilled in prudent counsels : 
" 'Would now, Queen, this were the greatest ill : 



90 THE ODYSSEY. III. 

' But a far greater and more troublous matter 
' The Wooers now plot, whereof may Chronides 
' Ne'er grant accomplishment ! they 'are fully bent 
700 ' On slaying Telemachus with edge of sword 
' In his returning homeward ; and he 'is gone 
' To sacred Pylos and to Lacedsemon 

* For tidings of his father." Spake he thus : but She, 
Her very heart and knees failed her at once : 

Long time did utter speechlessness of words 
Keep hold upon her; and her eyes with tears 

705 Were filled : and choked was all her lively voice. 
At last howe'er she spake and answered him : 
" Herald ! and wherefore is my son gone forth ? 
^ No need had he to mount on quick-going ships, 
' That gallop as 't were horses of the sea, 
' And carry men across the watery waste : 

710 ' Would he his very name be left no longer 

* Among mankind ?" Whereat straight answered her 
' Medon, of wit sagacious : '' Sure, I know not 

' Whether some god has urged him forth, or whether^ 
' E'en of himself, his heart was fain to go 
' And seek at Pylos tidings of his father, 

* Haply to hear of his return, or what 

715 ' The fate he 'has met." So saying, he went his way 
Along Odusseus' halls. But she was whelmed 
In heart-consuming sorrow ; and now no longer 
Could she endure to sit her upon a chair. 
Of all the many about the room ; but straight 
Piteously wailing went she and sat her down 
Upon the door-sill of the fair apartment ; 

720 While all her household women, young and old, 

Were whimpering round ; to whom midst many a sob 



BOOK A. 91 

Now spake Penelope : " List ye, my friends ! 
* sure the Olympian gods have sent me griefs 
' Past any woman of all my household, born 
' And reared with me : first have I lost my lord, 
' A good, a lion-hearted man, adorned, 

725 ' Beyond all Danaans, with all manner of worth, 
' Good, and whose noble fame spreads far and wide 
^ Through Hellas and mid-Argos. Now too again, 
' My beloved son have storm-winds hurried off, 
'Untold of, from his home ; nor heard I aught 
' About his going away. Ye cruel ! not one, 
' Not one amongst you had it in your hearts 

730 ' To call me up from bed, though well ye knew 
' What time he went on board the hollow ship ! 

* For had I learnt his thought of setting forth 

* On voyage such as This, sure then he 'had stayed 
' Fain howsoe'er to go, or else he 'had left 

' Me dead at home. But let one hie now and call 
735 ' My slave, old Dolius, whom my father gave me 
' When hither erst I came, who tends my garden 

* And orchard trees : and bid him with all speed 
' Go to Laertes, sit by his side and tell him 

' These matters all at full ; when he, perhaps, 
' May yet contrive some scheme in his shrewd heart, 
' And come forth publicly and shew his grief 
740 ' Before these folk, who are fain to put an end 

' To His, and the godlike prince Odusseus', race." 
Then answered her the nurse, dear Eurycleia : 
^' Dear lady ! Slay me Thou with ruthless sword 
' At once, or here in the house have done with me : 

* Yet will I not conceal this matter from thee : 
745 * I, I knew all about it ; and supplied him 



92 



THE ODYSSEY. IV. 



' With all he bade me, bread and smooth old wine 
' From me howe'er he drew a steadfast oath 
' Not to tell thee, until the twelfth day came, 

* Or till thyself shouldst miss him and hear tell 

' About his setting forth : lest thou shouldst sorrow 
' And fret thy comely face. But with thy ladies 
7oO ' Go to thine upper room now, and wash thee and don 
' Fresh raiment on thy limbs, and pray to Athene 
^ Daughter of ^gis-bearing* Zeus ; for she, 

* She then will haply bring him safe and sound 

* Out of e'en death. And trouble not the old man, 
' Troubled already : for not utterly 

7oo ' Hated, methinks, is Arcesiades' race 

' By the happy gods ; but one shall yet, I ween, 
' Survive to have and hold these high roofed halls 

* And the fat fields out yonder far and wide." 

She spake ; and lulled her lady's tears : from tears 

She stayed her eyes. Then went she and bathed and 

donned 
Fresh raiment on her limbs, and with her women 

760 Went up to her room above, and heaped in a basket 
The sacred barley-meal, and prayed to Athene : 
" Hear me, daughter of ^gis-bearing Zeus, 
' Unwearied One ! if ever sage Odusseus 
' Has burnt down goodly thigh-bones on thine altars 
' Of sheep or bullocks, call it now to mind 

765 ' In my behalf, and save me my dear son ; 

' And keep away these ill o'erweening suitors." 
So saying, she hymned aloud ; and graciously 
The goddess heard her prayer. Anon the suitors 
Began their din throughout the dusky halls : 
And 't was on this wise mongst the saucy youths 



BOOK J. 93 

They 'g'an to talk : " Sure now 'is our much-wooed queen 
70 * Furnishing forth her wedding* : and she knows not 
' Aught of our plot for the slaughter of her son ! " 
Such was their talk : but how these matters were, 
They little wist. Anon spake thus Antinous 
Amongst them all and said : ^' Good Sirs ! now avoid ye 
Eash, vaunting speeches all alike, lest haply 
775 ' Some one should tell thereof within the palace. 
But come, arise ye in silence now, e'en so, 
And unto achievement let us bring this plan, 
Which now so well has fitted all our moods." 
So saying he chose him twenty men, the best ; 
And down to the sea shore and their nimble ship 
780 They went their way. The ship now first they hauled 
Into the briny deep ; and put both mast 
And sails on board the dusky ship, and fitted 
Her oars with twisted leathern thongs, all duly ; 
And the white sails they unfurled. Anon bold comrades 
Brought them their arms and harness : then on board 
785 They went and anchored her in the open sea ; 
Then supped and waited there till eventide. 
Meanwhile, gone up to her room above, the queen, 
Thoughtful Penelope, was lying abed. 
Fasting, without a taste of meat or drink. 
Anxiously pondering whether her blameless son 
Might 'scape this death, or whether should he fall 
790 Beneath the hands of those o'erweening suitors. 
And, as in fear a lion stands in doubt 
When huntsmen in a throng are hemming him 
All round with a circling net ; on Her, e'en so 
Anxiously pondering, sudden came sweet sleep : 
And, sinking back, she slept ; and all her limbs 



94 THE ODYSSEY. IV. 

795 Were slackened. There, meanwhile, the bright-eyed goddess, 

Athene, planned a new device : she made 

A phantom ; and 't was fashioned like to a woman, 

Iphthime, mighty-souled Icarius' daughter, 

Whom wealthy Eumelos had to wife, who dwelt 

At Pherce. This forthwith she sent to the palace 
800 Of prince Odusseus, there to stay the weeping 

And tearful wail of sad Penelope 

So full of tears and grief. Now into the chamber 

It entered by the bolt-latch, and anon 

Stood o'er her head and spake this word : ^' Dost sleep, 

' Sad thus at inmost heart, Penelope ? 
805 ' Not Thee forsooth do the easy-living gods 

' Allow to mourn and be thus vexed, not Thee ; 

' For that yet safe thy son is for returning ; 

' For indeed all without offence is He 

* Before the gods." Whereat then answered her 
Thoughtful Penelope, full sweetly slumbering 

In the gate of dreams : '^ Now wherefore art come hither^ 
810 ' sister mine ? not heretofore forsooth 

* Hast thou frequented here, since far, far off 

' Are the halls wherein thou dwellest : and thou bidst me, 
' Me to have done with sorrow and all these pangs 
' That stir me through my very heart and soul ! 
' Me, who have lost my husband, one so good, 
' Lion-hearted, one surpassing all the Danaans 
815 ' In worth of every kind, so good ; whose fame 
' Is gone abroad through Hellas and mid-Argos ! 
' Now too is gone away in hollow ship 
' My dear-loved boy, a mere child, all unacquainted 
'With toil, as too with traffic. I now grieve 
' For sake of Him yet more than for my lord. 



BOOK J. 95 

820 ' In fear and trembling am I about m j son, 
' Lest either in the land whereto he 'is g'one, 
^ Or in the deep he suffer some mischance : 
' For mischief on him many a foe is plotting, 
' Fain, ere he reach his fatherland, to slay him." 
Then answered her and spake the shadowy phantom : 

825 " Cheer up ! and in thy heart have never a whit 
' Such mighty fear ! for with him goes there one 
' Such escort as i' faith might any man 
' Well pray to stand beside him, for she is able, 
' Athene Pallas ; and on thee thus mournful 
' She takes compassion ; and has sent me forth 
' E'en now, to tell thee this." Whereat straight answered 

830 ' Thoughtful Penelope : " Now if indeed 

' A goddess art thou, and hast heard the sound 
* Of goddess' voice, I pray thee give me account 
' Also of Him, that luckless Him, if haply 
' He 'is yet alive and sees the light of Helios, 
^ Or if he 'is dead and in the abode of Hades." 

835 Then answered her and spake the shadowy phantom : 
" Of Him forsooth I may not tell thee plain, 
' He 'is living, or he 'is dead : and to be talking 
' Mere words of wind is wrong." So saying, it vanished 
Into airy breath of wind at the door-post bolt : 
Then up sprang she, the daughter of Icarius, 

840 From out of slumber ; and her very heart 

Was warmed by such a vivid dream thus flitting 
Before her in the dead of night. Meanwhile, 
The suitors were on board their ship and sailing 
O'er watery ways, and pondering in their hearts 
Sheer downright murder for Telemachus. 
Now a certain isle there is, in the mid sea, 



96 THE ODYSSEy. IV. 

Eocky, 'twixt Ithaca and craggy Samos, 
845 Not large, called Asteris : wherein is a harbour 
With double entrance and snug anchorage 
For ships : thither the Achaians made their way 
And lurked in ambush, waiting for their prey. 



BOOK E. 97 



ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTH BOOK. E. 

A second assembly of the gods is called by Zeus, wbo sends Hermes with 
orders to Calypso to dismiss Odusseus : sbe obeys after much reluctance. 
He goes away on a raft : on the eighteenth day Poseidon spies him and 
wrecks his raft. A sea-goddess, however, Ino, takes pity and gives him 
her head-band for a belt, by which he is at length saved and comes ashore 
at Phseacia. * 

EPSILON shews Calypso's island grot : 
Odusseus builds his raft : Poseidon wrecks it ; 
And hardly Odusseus 'scapes, and gains Phceacia, 



Leaving high-born Tithonos and his bed 
Eos now rose, to bring her morning light 
Both for the Deathless, and for men death-doomed. 
Anon to assembly went the gods and sat ; 
And Zeus amongst them, he the lofty Thunderer, 
Whose might is paramount : whereat Athene, 
5 Yet mindful of Odusseus, told before them 
His many troubles : for Her care was He 
Though at the nymph's abode : ''0 father Zeus, 
* And all ye everliving happy gods ! 
' Kind, and of ready soul, or versed at heart 
' In righteous judgments let there nevermore 
' Be a sceptred king ! but ever may they be 
10 ^ Hard, and wrong-doers ! for that of all his people 
' O'er whom divine Odusseus reigned, and gentle 

* Now known as Corfu. 

7 



98 THE ODYSSEY. V. 

' E'en as a father, none remembers him ! 
' Enduring heavy grief howe'er, he lies 
^ Hid in yon isle at the halls of the nymph Calypso, 
' Who stays him there perforce : and all unable 
15 ^ Is he to reach again his fatherland ; 

' For neither ships equipped with oars, nor comrades 

* Has he to speed him o'er the sea's broad backs. 

* Now too they are bent on slaying his dear-loved son 
' As he sails homewards ; for he is gone abroad 

' For tidings of his sire, to sacred Pylos 

20 * And broad-valed Lacedsemon." Straight then answered 
Cloud-gatherer Zeus and said : " daughter mine, 
' What manner of word escaped thy fence of teeth 1 
' Didst not thyself devise this very thought, 
' How that Odusseus should return and take 
^ On Them full vengeance ? And Telemachus 

25 ' Deftly do Thou speed back (for well thou canst), 
^ So that all scatheless unto his fatherland 
' He may return : and let those Wooers depart 
^ Back again in their ship." He said, then turned 
And unto Hermes, his dear son, spake thus : 
" Hermes, now go, (for ready messenger 
^ Ever art thou), and tell the fair-tressed Nymph 

30 * Our sure decree and steadfast, the Keturn 
' Forthwith of patient-souled Odusseus home : 
^ That without escort either of gods or men 
' Shall he sail forth : but after suffering troubles 
' Upon a strong-bound raft, let him arrive 
' On the twentieth day at the fat land of Scheria, 

35 ' Phseacians' land, near kinsfolk of the gods. 
' And they, right heartily, shall honour him 

* As though he were a god, and forth by ship 



BOOK E. 99 

' Shall speed him unto his own dear fatherland, 

' And give him gold and and brass in heaps, and raiment, 

' Such plenteous wealth, as never might Odusseus 

' Have carried off for his allotted spoil 

40 ' From the sack of Troy, e'en had he come all scatheless. 
' For thus 't is destined him to see his friends 
* And reach his fatherland and high-roofed home." 
He spake : nor was the Argus-killer Guide 
Slack to obey ; and anon beneath his feet 
He bound his comely sandals, all ambrosial, 

45 Golden, which bare him swift as gale of wind 
Whether upon the boundless land or water ; 
And took his wand, wherewith in spell-bound sleep 
He lays men's eyes,^ e'en whose and when he will, 
And again wakens them howe'er sound sleeping. 
Kod thus in hand, the mighty Argus-killer 

50 Flew forth ; just touched Pieria's top and lighted 
From out of ether upon the deep ; then darted 
Along upon the wave, like unto a bird, 
E'en as a sea-mew, that in chace of fishes 
Along the vasty troughs of the barren sea 
Oft wets his pinions in the briny spray : 
Like such was Hermes o'er the frequent waves 

6^ Carried along. But soon as had he reached 
That far off isle, from forth the dark-blue deep 
He stepped, and went inland, until he came 
To the roomy grot, wherein the fair-tressed Nymph 
Had her abode ; and Her he found within. 
A large bright fire was blazing on her hearth, 

60 And far and wide about the isle there spread 
A fragrant perfume from the blazing billets 

* Compare B. vii. 137-8. 



100 THE ODYSSEY. V. 

Of the easy-rifted cedar-wood and citron. 
Chanting with comely voice was she within, 
And busy plying the loom with a golden comb. 
Around the grot was grown a blooming forest, 

65 Sweet-smelling cypress, alder, and black poplar ; 

Where long-winged birds were wont to roost and nestle, 
Screech-owls and hawks and long-tongued sea-crows, birds 
Whose business is on the sea. And there was trained 
About the hollow grot a lusty vine, 
Teeming with bunches : and with limpid water 

70 There flowed four neighbouring springs, in several order, 
This way and that, diverging each from each : 
Around, were meadows soft that bloomed with parsley 
And snowflake : thither then whoe'er should come. 
E'en though a deathless god, would gaze with wonder. 
And be delighted in his heart, at the sight. 

75 There stood and gazed the Argus-killer Guide. 

And when to his heart's content he 'had gazed on all, 

Into the roomy cavern straight he went : 

Nor by Calypso, fair of goddesses. 

Was he unknown at sight. (For each to other 

The deathless gods forsooth are not unknown, 

80 Howe'er far off the abode wherein they dwell.) 
Yet not the mighty-hearted prince Odusseus 
Did he there find within : but on the beach 
Sitting was He, and weeping : where oft times, 
Kending his heart with grief and groans and tears, 
He used, e'en shedding tears, to look out keen 
Upon the fruitless deep. Anon Calypso, 

So The fair of goddesses, 'gan question Hermes, 
First seating him upon a splendid throne 
All beaming bright : *' Wherefore art come to Me, 



BOOK E. 101 

' Hermes of the golden rod, dear friend 
' And honoured ? Not aforetime oft forsooth 
' Dost visit here. Say what thou hast in mind : 
90 ' And my heart bids me do it, if do it I can, 

* And if it may be done. But come in further, 
' That I may set a hostess' fare before thee." 
So saying, the goddess set a table for him, 
Filled with ambrosia ; and she mixed red nectar. 
And he thereat, the Argus-killer Guide, 

9o Began to eat and drink. And when he 'had dined 
And cheered his heart with food, then her he answered 
And spake on this wise : " Me of my coming hither, 

* Me a god, goddess, dost thou ask ? yea truly, 

* I'll tell thee then this matter : for thou bidst me. 
' Zeus hither bade me come ; 't was not my will : 

100 ' For who of his own free choice would run across 

* Such wide immense salt water ? and not ever 
' At hand is there a Town of mortal folk, 

^ Where to us gods they 'are wont to sacrifice 
' And offer up choice hecatombs ! But sure 
' Nowise can any god or shun the purpose 
' Of ^gis-bearing Zeus, or make it void. 

105 * He says, there's here with thee a Man, the unluckiest 
' Of all those Men that round Priam's Town were fighting, 
' Nine years ; and in the tenth they sacked the City 
' And went away for home ; but in returning 
' They sinned against Athene ; whereupon 
' She raised foul wind and heavy waves against them. 

110 'There perished all the rest, his gallant comrades, 
' But Him the wind and wave brought hither ashore. 
' Him Zeus now bids thee send away forthwith 

* With all best speed. For not his Destiny 



102 



115 



120 



12o 



130 



135 



THE ODYSSEY. Y. 

Is it to perisli here aloof from friends ; 

But 't is allotted him to see his friends 

E'en yet again, and reach his fatherland, 

And come to his high-roofed home." He spake : whereat 

The fair of goddesses, Calypso, shuddered ; 

Then thus in winged words she accosted him : 

' Cruel, ye gods, and jealous are ye indeed 

Past all ! that look with grudge on goddesses, 

Should openly one wed a man and win him 

To be her lord and the partner of her bed ! 

E'en so forsooth when rosy-fingered Eos 

Took to herself Orion, then on Her 

You easy-living gods looked grudgingly. 

Until chaste Artemis, the golden-throned. 

Suddenly attacked him with her gentle shafts 

And slew him in Ortygia, the isle of quails. 

So too, when in the thrice-ploughed fallow-field 

Fair-tressed Demeter, following her own bent. 

Joined her in love and wedlock with lasion ; 

Not long howe'er was Zeus before the matter 

Came to his ears, when with his flashing bolt 

He smote and slew him. So now again on Me 

Ye look with grudge, ye gods, for having with me 

A mortal husband ! — I, I rescued Him, 

Him all forlorn bestriding a ship's keel : 

For Zeus with flashing bolt had smitten and shattered 

His nimble ship in the midst of the purple deep. 

There perished all the rest, his gallant comrades ; 

But Him the wind and wave brought hither ashore. 

Him did I welcome kindly, and fed, and told him 

How I would make him free from death for ever 

And from old age. But as nowise indeed 



BOOK E. 103 

' Can any god o'erstep or thwart the purpose 

* Of ^gis-bearing Zens, — why — Away with him, 

* If He so bids and urges him away 

140 ' Forth on the fruitless deep : but I, not I 
' Can send him any way. For neither ships 
' Equipped with oars have I nor crews to speed him 

* Forth on the sea's broad backs. Yet readily 
' I'll be his counsellor, and hide not from him 

* How he may reach his fatherland all scatheless." 
145 Straight answered her the Argus-killer Guide : 

* Send him thus now away : and have regard 

' To the wrath of Zeus, for fear he bear thee a grudge 

' And be severe upon thee in times hereafter." 

So saying, the mighty Argus-slayer departed. 

And the lady Nymph, since now she 'had heard the hest 

150 Of Zeus, she went to mighty-souled Odusseus. 
And him down-sitting on the shore she found : 
But not once dried from weeping were his eyes ; 
And sweet life-time apace was ebbing from him 
Sorrowing for home-return ; since now the Nymph 
Did not delight him. E'en perforce howe'er 
His nights indeed used he to pass, unwilling 

155 With her all willing, in her hollow caves : 
And sitting on the rocks and shores, by day, 
Eending his heart with grief and groans and tears. 
He used, e'en shedding tears, to look out keen 
Upon the fruitless deep. Accosting him 
Now spake the fair of goddesses : " ill-fated ! 

160 ' Wail me no longer here, nor let thy life 

' Waste away thus, for now with forethought ready 
' I'll speed thee forth. But come, cut down long poles 
' Whereof with tools put a broad raft together, 



104 THE ODYSSEY. V. 

' And fix on 'it decks above, to carry thee 
' Upon the hazy deep. And I, I'll stow 
165 ' Water and ruddy wine and bread therein, 

' Good store, to keep off hunger from thee ; and raiment 
' I'll put about thee, and send thee a favouring wind, 
^ So mayst thou reach thy fatherland all scatheless, 

* If so but would the gods at least, who dwell 

* In the vasty heaven, for better far than I 
170 ' Are They, both in devising and achieving." 

She spake : and the much-enduring prince Odusseus 
Shuddered thereat, and thus accosted her 
In winged words : ** Now somewhat else, goddess, 
' Plotting art Thou herein, and never a whit 

* Of speeding ! thou that bidst me cross on a raft 
' The sea's vast depth, both dread and difficult ! 

175 ' Whereover not e'en gallant quick-going ships 
' Pass right across : and not without thy will 
' Would I go on board a raft, unless to me 
^ Thou wouldst, goddess, have the grace to swear 
'The great Oath,- that against myself thou meanest 
' No sort or manner of mischief." Spake he thus ; 

180 Whereat the fair of goddesses. Calypso, 

Smiled and caressed him with her hand, and spake 

This word and uttered it aloud : " Now sure, 

' A sly rogue art thou, and not all idly skilled ! 

' What manner of word now 'is This thou 'hast thought to 

speak ? 
' Here now Let the Earth and the broad Heaven above 

* Be witness, and that downward flowing water 
185 ' Of Styx Be witness,— (mightiest oath is this 

' And the most awful with the happy gods,) 
' How that against thyself I mean no sort 



_j 



BOOK E. 105 

* Or manner of mischief. But I purpose such, 
'And will devise forsooth, as were I caring 

' For mine own very self, should so great need 
190 ' Ever befal me. For indeed my purpose 

* Is righteous ; and within this breast of mine 
' My heart is not of iron, but full of pity." 
So saying, the fair of goddesses led on 
With rapid race ; and following close behind 
Tracked he the goddess' footsteps : and they came, 
The goddess and the man, to the hollow cave : 

195 And there down sat he upon the throne, wherefrom 
Hermes had risen : anon the Nymph set food 
Of all such kinds as mortal men partake. 
Both meat and drink, before him. Then herself, 
She sat her o'er against the prince Odusseus : 
And before Her her damsels put ambrosia 

200 And nectar. And they both put forth their hands 
Upon the ready viands that lay before them. 
Soon as with meat and drink to hearts' content 
They both were cheered, the fair of goddesses 
Calypso straightway thus began and said : 
" Jove-descended Laertiades, 

* Odusseus ever-ready ! Dost thou indeed 

205 ' Now wish so at once to go thy homeward way 
' To thine own fatherland ? But thou, even so, 

* All fare thee well ! Sure if in heart thou knewest 

* How large a measure of distress 't is doomed 

* For thee to fill, ere ever mayst thou reach 

' Thy fatherland, here then thou sure wouldst stay, 

* And here with me keep house and be death-less, 
210 ' How fain soe'er thou art to see thy wife 

' For whom thou 'art yearning ever day by day. 



106 THE ODYSSEY. V. 

' Now sure not worse than she forsooth do I boast me, 

* Neither in form nor stature ; for no, never, 
' Is 't likely mortal womankind should vie 

' With deathless goddesses in comeliness 
'And goodly stature !" Straight then answered her 
215 Odusseus ever-ready '- '^ lady goddess! 

' Be thou not wroth with me herein : I know 

* Full well e'en of myself, how that in face 

* And height and comely form to look upon 

* Thoughtful Penelope forsooth is feebler 

/ Than Thou ; for She, she 'is mortal ; whereas Thou, 

* Deathless art Thou, and from old age all free. 
220 * Nathless even so, I'm wishing ever daily 

' And yearning to go home, and see the day 

' Of my return. And if in the purple deep 

' Some god shall wreck me, firm within my breast 

' I'll keep my heart and patiently submit : 

' For before this full many a woe I've suffered, 

* And borne midst waves and war full many a toil ; 
225 * Wherewith shall This, e'en wreck, be reckoned also." 

He spake : meanwhile the sun went down, and the shades 
Of night came on : and both repaired together 
To the inner chamber of the hollow cave : 
And there stayed each with other and enjoyed 
Dalliance to heart's content. And when appeared 
Eose-fingered Eos sprung from the womb of Dawn, 
230 Odusseus donned forthwith his coat and cloak ; 

And She, the Nymph, arrayed herself in a mantle 
Large, silver-white and shining, fine and graceful ; 
And round her waist she cast a comely belt 
Golden, and put a veil upon her head. 
And then her thought was for the speeding forth 



BOOK E. 107 

Of mighty-souled Odusseus. First she gave him 

23d a large axe, brazen, handy to the grasp, 

Sharpened with edge both ways ; wherein the helve. 
Right fair, of olive-wood, was fitted firm. 
A shapely adze she gave him also, and forth 
Led liim the way to the island's farthest end, 
Where tall trees grew ; both alder and black poplar. 
And the heaven-aspiring pine ; all dry long since, 

240 And throughly seasoned, buoyant for his floating. 

Now when she 'had shewn him where the tall trees grew, 

Forthwith for home again stepped she, Calypso, 

The fair of goddesses. And he, the while, 

Kept cutting poles ; and quickly his work was done : 

Twenty he felled in all, and shaped with the axe, 

245 And smoothed them deftly and made them straight by line. 
Meanwhile, the fair of goddesses, Calypso, 
Brought gimlets, and therewith he bored them all 
And fitted each to other. Then with bolts 
And clamps he joined the raft itself together. 
E'en as a cunning ship-wright would round off 

250 The bottom for a broad-built merchant-ship, 
So large and broad Odusseus made his raft. 
Decks too he built and fixed with upright ribs 
Fitting and frequent, and completed them 
With lengthy planks nailed on from end to end. 
Then a mast therein, with yard-arm thereto fitting, 

255 He made, and made him also a helm for steering. 
The raft all throughly round he then secured 
With wattled osier-work, to be a defence 
Against the wave : and on it he strewed much stuff. 
Meanwhile, the fair of goddesses, Calypso, 
Brought him large cloths, wherewith to make him sails : 



108 THE ODYSSEY. V. 

And these, e'en these, right deftly he contrived. 

260 Then braces, ropes and sheets he tied in the raft ; 
And then with levers hauled her down to the sea. 
'T was the fourth day wherein 't was all achieved : 
And on the fifth the fair Calypso washed him 
And put apparel smelling sweet upon him 
And sped him from her isle. And into his raft 

265 The goddess laid two skins, one of dark wine 
And the other, larger one, of water ; and food 
She stowed in a leathern sack, and put therein 
Cooked meats, an ample store : then sent she forth 
A right fair favouring wind, soft, warm and gentle. 
And joyful to the fair wind prince Odusseus 

270 Outspread the sails : with rudder then in hand 
He sat and skilfully kept straight his course. 
Neither did slumber fall upon his eyelids. 
As he kept eyeing the Pleiads, — and Bootes 
Late-setting, — and the Bear, which also is called 
The Wain, and w^hich there circles round and watches 

275 Orion ; and alone is no partaker 

In Ocean's baths. For This on the left-hand side 

Was he to keep, in traversing the sea. 

E'en as the fair of goddesses. Calypso, 

Gave him command. Now seventeen days he sailed 

Thus faring o'er the deep, and on the eighteenth 

The shadowy hills of the Phseacians' land 

280 Appeared in sight, where nearest forth it jutted, 
And seemed as 't were upon the hazy deep 
An oxhide shield.— But now from the jEthiopians 
The lord Poseidon, Shaker of the Earth, 
Was coming back, and spied him from afar 
From the heights of Solyma : for seen by Him 



BOOK E. 109 

Was any who sailed the deep ; and wroth at heart 
285 He waxed yet more : then shook he 'his head and thus 
With his own soul communed : *^ Shame ! now sure, 
' Sure recklessly the gods have changed their minds 

* About Odusseus while I Ve been away 

* Mongst the ^Ethiopians ! and already is he 

' Near the Phseacians' land, where 't is his lot 
' To escape beyond the mighty goal of woe 

290 ^ That comes upon him : but e'en yet, methinks, 
^ I'll drive him till he 'has had enough distress ! '* 
So saying, he took his trident into his hands, 
And gathered clouds and troubled the deep sea. 
He stirred up every whirl of every wind 
And hid both the sea and the land in one confusion 
Of gloomy cloud ; and Night rushed down from heaven. 

295 East Wind and South fell furiously together 
And stormy Zephyr, blustering from the West, 
And Boreas, sprung from Northern ether, raged 
Rolling a mighty swell. Whereat indeed 
Odusseus' knees and very heart were loosed : 
And thus forthwith to 'his own courageous soul 
Laden with grief he spake : '^ wretched Me, 

300 ' Me ! what shall at last become of me ? 
' I fear now indeed the goddess said all true, 
' In telling me what measure must I fill 
' Of troubles on the deep, ere I may reach 
' My fatherland : here all now is brought to pass ! 
' With what a gloom of clouds does Jove enwreathe 
' The broad heaven, and has troubled the deep sea ; 

305 ' And furious whirlwinds rage from every point ! 
' Now sure is ruin, sheer ruin, at hand for Me ! 
^ Thrice happy, aye and four times, were those Danaans, 



110 THE ODYSSEY. V. 

^ Who in their kindly help to the sons of Atreus 
' Perished on Troy's broad field ! would I now, 
' I 'had died and met my fate that day, when Trojans, 
*Full many and noble, around Peleides' corse* 

310 ^ Let fly at me their brass-tipped spears ! Then had I 
^ Due funeral rites assigned me, and all the Achaians 
' Had spread io[ij fame abroad : but now 't is destined 
' Me to be taken here by a wretched death ! " 
As thus he spake, on swept a mighty billow 
Dreadful, and down it struck him from above, 
And whirled his raft about. From off the raft 

315 He pitched afar, and let the paddle fall 

From out his hands : and the dread hurly-burly 
That came of mingled winds shivered his mast 
Eight in the midst. Away then fell the sail 
And yard-arm into the deep ; and kept him down 
A long time under water : neither could he, 

320 Under the mighty billow's shock, rise up 

With ready speed ; for down his raiment weighed him. 

The raiment given him by the fair Calypso. 

After long time howe'er he rose again. 

And spat from out his mouth the nauseous brine, 

Which ran profusely streaming from his head. 

But yet, howe'er distressed, forgat he not 

325 His raft, but through the waves he made a rush 
After it, and — gained hold of it again ; 
And sat in the midst, 'scaping the term of death. 
Downstream the big wave carried it along 
Hither and thither. As when about a field, 
At the end of summer Boreas' North East gale 
Drives thistle-seeds, and close they hang together; — 
* See B. xxiv., 37, etc. 



BOOK E. Ill 

330 E'en so was borne liis raft about the sea 

Hither and thither by the winds. Sometimes, 
Notos, the South mnd, tossed it towards the North 
For Boreas' catch : again, at other times, 
Euros, from the East, gave way for Western Zephyr 
To give it chase. Now espied him Cadmus' daughter. 
The beauteous-ankled Ino, the White goddess 

335 Leucothea ; who was erst a mortal woman 
Of human speech, but now in the briny sea 
Had a chief share of the honoured rank of gods. 
Pity now had she at once upon Odusseus 
Distressed and wandering : and in a gannet's likeness 
From out the sea she arose on wing, and sat 
Upon the strong-bound raft, and spake this word : 

340 " Luckless ! why wroth so vehemently against thee ' 

^ Is the great Shaker of the Earth, Poseidon, 

* Planting thee all this mischief ? Not indeed, 
' Howe'er so fain, shall he destroy thee now. 

*But sure do thus: (for thou 'art, methinks, not witless :) 
/ Put off these clothes : thy raft — abandon it, 

* For the winds to toss : then swimming with thy hands 
345 ^ Strive to return to the Phseacians' land : 

' For there 't is destined thee to escape. And here ! 
' String this ambrosial kerchief round thy chest, 

* And have no fear of death or of evil chance. 

' But soon as with thy hands thou 'hast reached dry land, 
' Then doff and cast it from thee back again 
350 ' Into the purple deep afar from shore, 

'And turn thyself aloof." So saying, the goddess 
Gave him her kerchief; and away forthwith 
Into the billowy deep she plunged again, 
Gannet-like ; and the dark wave covered her. 



112 THE ODYSSEY. Y. 

But he, the much-enduring prince Odusseus, 
Doubted ; and groaning heavily thus he spake 
355 To his own courageous heart: "Alas ! Me ! 
' I fear some one of the deathless gods is here 
' Weaving some further crafty plot against me, 

* In bidding me forsake my raft ! But No ! 

* I'll not be yet persuaded ; since I saw 

' With mine own eyes the land Far off, whereon 
' She said 't was destined I should make escape. 
360 ' But thus, yea thus I'll do, for it seems to me 
' The better way ; so long as in their clamps 
' These poles shall hang together, here upon them 
' I'll stay and endure whatever toils with patience : 

* But when the wave shall shatter me the raft, 
' I'll swim : for sure no better plan than this 

365 * Do I see before me." While in heart and soul 
Anxiously pondering was he thus, Poseidon, 
Shaker of the Earth, upraised a mighty billow 
Troublous and dread, o'erhanging, full against him, 
And him it struck. Then e'en as a vehement wind 
Tosses about and scatters all abroad 
A heap of dry chaff this way and that ; so it scattered 

370 The raft's long poles abroad : whereat Odusseus 

Straightway bestrode one pole, as though on a horse, 
x\nd urging speed : anon he doffed his clothes. 
The raiment given him by the fair Calypso : 
Then quick he strung the kerchief round his chest. 
And spreading forth his hands, ready to swim, 

375 Into the sea, head foremost, down he dropped. 
E'en as he was : but the king Poseidon saw. 
And with an angry shake of head spake thus 
In his own heart : " So, foul mischance now upon thee. 



BOOK E. 113 

' Kove thus about the deep, till thou canst come 
* Among Jove's favoured people ! But as it is, 
' I hope thou'lt not think light of thy distress !" 

380 So saying, his fine-maned horses on he lashed, 
And came to Mgdd, where he has a palace 
Far-famed. But now Athene, great Jove's daughter, 
Devised another plan : she barred the passage 
Of the other winds and bade them all be still 
And hushed asleep ; but rapid from the North 

385 Up called she Boreas ; and the waves before him 

She brake, that He, the Jove-sprung prince Odusseus, 
Might 'scape from death and violent doom, and mix 
'Mongst the Phseacians, people fond of oars. 
On the strong wave two nights thus wandering was he 
And two days thitherwards : and many a time 
His heart saw death before him. When howe'er 

390 The fair-tressed Eos brought the third day about, 
Then, then the wind left off, and there was calm 
Unruffled, all serene : whereat he espied, 
As he was on a mighty wave uplifted. 
Looking right sharp a~head, the Land hard by ! — 
And, as to the eyes of the children seems right dear 
The father's life who, suffering heavy sickness, 

395 Lies in distress, wasting by long disease, 

And hatefully his Chance has fallen upon him. 
But to their joy again the gods restore him 
From out his trouble;— so seemed unto Odusseus 
The land and trees a glad and welcome sight. 
Then all in haste to set his foot ashore 
Eager he swam : but when within such distance 

400 As might a shout well reach one's ear, he heard 
The heavy sound of the sea against the rocks ; 

8 



114 THE ODYSSEY. V. 

For with a roar against the dry main land 
The billowy swell dashed, belching* fearfully ; 
And everything was wrapped in a surfy froth : 
For creeks none were there, harbourage for ships, 
Nor roadsteads, neither shelter from the wind : 

405 But a bluff shore, and sunken rocks, and cliffs : 
Then were Odusseus' knees and very heart 
Unstrung ; and groaning heavily thus he spake 
To his own courageous heart : '^ Alas ! though Zeus 
' Has granted me the sight of land unhoped for, 
' And here I 've crossed now and cleaved this vasty deep, 

410 * Yet seems there never an outlet any way 

' From the surfy sea ; for cliffs there are outside, 
' High-pointed, sharp ; whereon dash roaring breakers, 
* And the rock shoots np smooth ; and deep is the sea 
' To the very edge ; and foot-hold is there none 
^ Whereon to stand and 'scape distress : I fear, 

415 * In getting out, if haply so I might, 

' Lest some big wave should snatch me away and hurl me 
' 'Gainst the flint rock, and all my attempt be vain : 
' And if I swim along the shore yet further 
' In hope elsewhere to find some shelving banks 
' And creek of shelter from the sea, — I dread 
' Lest yet again a hurricane should snatch 

420 ' And bear me back upon the fishy deep, 

' All heavily groaning ; or my luckless Chance 

' Should urge against me yet from out the sea 

' E'en some huge monstrous fish, such as full many 

' Famed Amphitrite rears : for well I know 

' How that all odiously enraged against me 

' Is the famed Shaker of the Earth." While thus 

425 Anxiously pondering was he in heart and soul, 



BOOK E, 115 

A big wave bare him against the rugged coast. 
There flayed had been his skin, and crushed his bones, 
Had not Athene, Bright-eyed goddess, put it 
Into his mind ; whereat on rushed he and caught 
Hold of the rock with both his hands, and groaning 
Clung there, until the mighty wave had passed. 

430 So 'scaped he That : but quick again upon him 
Eushed the back water, striking him, and far 
Into the deep it cast him ! — As, when dragged 
By force is a Polypus from out its hole, — 
To the suckers of its arms there cling small pebbles 
Full thick ; e'en so from off His doughty hands 
The skin was torn and left upon the rocks : 

435 And Him the big wave covered. There now had perished 
Wretched, beyond his destiny, Odusseus, 
Had not Athene, Bright-eyed, given him shrewdness : 
From out the wave, where landward was it belching, 
Uprose he again, and 'gan to swim along 
Eyeing the shore, if haply might he find 

440 A shelving beach and a harbour from the sea. 

But when by swimming thus he now had reached 
A fair-flowing river's mouth, — There now to 'him seemed 
His choicest place, smooth, free from rocks ; and shelter 
There was therein from wind : and the stream he felt 
Flowing forth, and in his heart he prayed : *' Master, 

445 ' Hear me, whoe'er thou art ! To thee long sought 
' With many a prayer I come, from out the deep, 
' Fleeing Poseidon's threats. Sure privileged 
^ E'en with the Deathless gods is any man 
' Who comes a suppliant wanderer, as here now 
* E'en I, who 'have hardly escaped through many a toil, 
' Come suppliant to thy stream, and to thy knees ! 



116 THE ODYSSEY. V. 

450 * Have pity then, Master ! for thy suppliant 
' I avow myself to be." He spake : whereat 
The stream-god forthwith stayed his tide, and checked 
The wave, and made all calm before Odusseus, 
And into his river-mouth conveyed him safe : 
Whereat the prince forthwith bent both his knees, 
And sturdy hands ; for by the sea was tamed 

455 His very heart : and swollen in body was he 

Everywhere ; and much brine kept bubbling forth 
Up through his mouth and nostrils : and he lay. 
All breathless, voiceless, faint : and on him came 
A strange distress. But when he at length revived, 
And into his heart regathered was the spirit. 
Then straight he loosed the goddess' kerchief from him, 

460 And out upon the sea-ward murmuring river 
Let it go forth ; and down-stream back again 
The full wave carried it along : and Ino 
With her kind hands soon gathered it again. 
Aside then from the river he withdrew. 
And lay down 'neath the rushes and there kissed 
The bounteous Earth : and then with a heavy sigh 

465 To his own courageous heart he said ; "Ah Me, 
' Alas ! What next ? what, what is to become 
' Of me at last ? If here I watch by the river 
' Through the painsome night, I fear the chilly rime 
' And the fresh dew together will quite kill me, 
^ Gasping for breath because of utter faintness : 
' For before dawn there blows from off the river 

470 ' A cold, chill breeze. And should I climb the slope 
' To yon thick copse, and lay me down to rest 
' Among the close-grown bushes, if the cold 
' And weariness would let me, and gentle Sleep 



BOOK E. 117 

' Should come upon me, I fear lest I become 

' The prey and spoil of savage beasts and ravening." 

So pondered he, till thus it seemed the best : 

475 Into the wood he went his way, and found it 
In a far-seen spot, all clear and close to water. 
There, 'neath two shrubs that grew as one together 
Entered he in : the one of oleaster, 
And the other was of olive. Through these bushes 
The force of moisture-breathing winds blows not, 
Nor did the radiant Sun-god with his beams 

480 Ever smite through : nor through did rain-storm pierce, 
So thick all interlaced they grew together : 
Thereunder crept Odusseus ; and soon heaped him 
With his own hands an ample bed : for a heap 
Plenty enough there was of leaves ; as much 
As in the winter season well might shelter 

485 Or two, or three men, hard howsoe'er the weather. 
Glad was the much-enduring prince Odusseus 
At the sight thereof ; and down in the midst he laid him 
Forthwith ; and o'er him heaped a heap of leaves. 
As, at some out-farm, where one has no neighbours, 
A man might cover up a smouldering brand 
In a black ash-heap, to preserve alive 

490 The seed of fire, lest a re-kindling spark 

From elsewhere should he need ; e'en so with leaves 
Odusseus covered him : and soon Athene 
Poured slumber upon his eyes and closed their lids, 
Most speedily thus to give him sweet release 
From hard distress and make his pains to cease. 



118 THE ODYSSEY. VI, 



ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH BOOK. Z. 

Athene, by a dream, bids Nausicaa, the daughter of king Alcinoos, to go 
and wash her raiment at the river ; which she accordingly does ; and 
after the washing plays a game of ball with her handmaids. Their excla- 
mations wake Odusseus, who comes forth and supplicates the princess : 
he receives from her both food and clothing ; and follows her, on her 
return to the city, as far as the grove of Athene where he remains behind. 

ZETA: the Scherian Princess, Nausicaa, 
Kindly receives and feeds and clothes Odusseus, 



Thus then was He, the much-enduring prince 
Odusseus, lying at rest, o'ercome by Sleep 
And weariness. Meanwhile, now went Athene 
To the Phseacians' land and Town : aforetime. 
Dwellers were they in ample Hypereia, 
5 Hard by the Cyclops' race, o'erbearing men. 

Who used to attack and spoil them, and in strength 
Were mightier. Then their godlike chief, Nausithoos, 
Made them arise, and led and settled them 
In Scheria,* far from enterprising men. 
A Town he girt with a wall and built him houses, 
And temples for the gods he raised, and the lands 
10 He parcelled out. But to the realm of Hades 
Already gone was He, subdued by Fate. 

* Now caUed " Corfu." 



BOOK Z. 119 

And now, Alcinoos was tlieir king, well- skilled 
In counsels taught liim by the gods. 'T was now 
Unto His palace came the Bright- eyed goddess 
Athene, planning how to bring about 
A return home for mighty-souled Odusseus. 

15 Her way she sped to a chamber richly dight 
Wherein asleep was lying a maid, in beauty 
And goodly stature like to the Deathless ones, 
Nausicaa, mighty-souled Alcinoos' daughter. 
With her were two handmaidens, largely gifted 
With comeliness of the Graces, and they lay 
Near either door-post, where the splendid valves 

20 Were shut all close. But like a breath of wind 
In swept the goddess unto the maiden's couch. 
And stood above her head, and spake this word, 
Seeming the daughter of the chieftain, Dymas, 
Eenowned in ships ; dear to the princess' heart 
And of same age was she : fashioned like her. 
Bright-eyed Athene addressed the maid : " Nausicaa ! 

25 ' Why has thy mother bred thee so remiss ? 
' There lies thy glossy raiment all unheeded ; 
' And near at hand thy wedding ! when thyself 
' Behoves it thee to clothe in fair attire, 
' And furnish such to those ^ who take thee away. 
, For 't is from such things goes thy good fame forth 

30 ' Among mankind : and so thy lady mother 
^ And sire rejoice. To wash then let iis go 
* At Eos' earliest peep : and / '11 go with thee 
' And be thy fellow-worker, for best speed 
' Wherewith to get thee ready : since a maid 
' Thou 'It not be now much longer ; for already 

* See Matth., ch. xx. 11. 



120 THE ODYSSEY. YI. 

' To tliee come wooing all the Phseacians' choicest 

35 ' Throughout the land ; wherefrom springs Thy race also. 
* But come, stir up thy noble sire by dawn 
' To harness thee his mules and wain, to carry 
' Thy shawls and belts and all thy glossy mantles. 
' And 't is far comelier too thyself to go 
' Thus than on foot : for 't is a long way off 

40 ' To the wash-pits from the Town." So saying, Athene 
The Bright-eyed went her way forthwith to Olympus, 
Where firm, they say, is the seat of the gods for ever ; 
Neither disturbed by winds, nor damped is it ever 
By storm of rain, nor does there snow come near it ; 
But spread throughout is a cloudless calm serene, 

45 And a clear splendour circles all about : 

Therein for ever the happy gods make merry. 

Thither forthwith, the Bright-eyed, when she 'had given 

Full counsels to the Maiden, sped her way. 

Anon came Eos on her comely throne 

And waked the fair-robed princess Nausicaa : 

And much she straightway marvelled at her dream. 

50 Then hied she away through the house, to tell her parents, 
Her mother and dear father ; whom she found 
Both yet within. Her mother, with her ladies • 
Serving about her, by the hearth was sitting 
And winding wool of true sea purple dye 
Upon her distaff; and she chanced with Him 
Just going abroad to meet his noble princes 

6^ At council, for thereto the gay Phseacians 

Were calling him. Eight close now stood she and thus 
Addressed her sire : *' Wouldst harness for me now, — 
' Wilt thou not, dear Papa, —a lofty wain, 
' Well-wheeled, that I may take my goodly apparel, 



BOOK Z, 121 

' (Which lies now soiled,) for washing at the river? 

60 ' And it befits thee too thyself to wear 

' Fresh raiment when thou 'rt going to sit in Council 
' Among the princes. In the palace also 
' Five sons thou hast, wedded whereof are two, 
' While three are blooming bachelors ; and ever 
' Wishing are They to go to the dancing round, 

65 ' With fresh-washed raiment on them ; and all this 
^ Is charge of mine." So spake she ; for abashed 
She was to think of naming youthful marriage 
Unto her sire ; but He quite understood it, 
And answered : *' Nor the mules begrudge I thee, 
* Nor aught else, child ! away then ! and the slaves 
' Shall harness for thee a lofty wain, well wheeled, 

70 * Fitted with frame above." So saying, he bade 

The slaves, and straight they obeyed. Out then they drew 
The fair-wheeled mule- wain, made it ready, and led 
The mules beneath the yoke and put them to : 
Anon the maiden fetched from out the chamber 
The glossy raiment to the shapely wain 

75 And laid it in below : meanwhile her mother 
Packed into a chest good store of eatables, 
All sorts, and put in many a cate : and wine 
She poured her into a goatskin bottle ; (and up 
The maiden climbed upon the wain ;) and oil 
Liquid she gave her in a golden flask, 

80 To anoint her after bathing with her women. 
Attendant handmaids. Now she took the whip 
And glossy reins in hand ; and touched them on. 
And the pattering tramp of the pair of mules rang loud. 
Apace full fain they strode along, and bare 
The raiment, and the princess, not alone ; 



122 THE ODYSSEY. VI. 

With her went also her handmaids all. Anon, 
85 Soon as they 'had reached the rivers' comely stream, 
Just where the tanks were, filled all through the year, 
Whereout, from underneath, flowed the fair water 
Plenty, to cleanse aught filthy howsoever, — 
There from beneath the yoke they loosed the mules. 
And drave them forth beside the eddying river, 
90 To crop the honied bent-grass ; then in hand 

They took the raiment from the wain, and bare it 
Into the darkling water : and there trod them 
With sportive rivalry of speed in the pits. 
Soon as they 'had washed and cleansed away all soil. 
In rows they spread them out along the beach, 
95 Just where ashore the sea was wont most chiefly 

To wash the pebbly shingle. And when they 'had bathed 
And 'nointed them with olive oil, then dinner 
They took beside the river banks, and waited. 
Till by the Sun's bright beams the clothes be dried. 
So when with food her damsels and herself 
Had had good cheer, their kerchiefs cast they aside 
100 And played a game at ball, while Nausicaa 

The white-armed led their dance with measured song. 
And as when arrow-loving Artemis 
Goes o'er some mountain, high Taygeton, 
Or Erymanthus, taking her delight 
After wild boars and nimble hinds ; and Nymphs, 
105 Who haunt the fields, with playful sport attend her, 
Daughters of ^gis-bearing Zeus ; and Leto 
At heart rejoices ; for where all are comely, 
Yet loftier head and front her daughter holds 
Above them all, and easily recognized 
She moves amongst them ; so too amongst her damsels 



BOOK Z. 123 

Was this free Maid distinguished. When howe'er 

110 Home again was she ready to return, 

And had already yoked the mules, and folded 
The goodly clothes together, then Athene, 
The Bright-eyed goddess, planned a new device, 
How that Odusseus might be aroused from sleep 
And see the fair-eyed Maiden, and that She 
Should be his guide to the Phaeacians' Town. 

115 Anon at one of her attendant damsels 

The princess threw the ball : it missed the damsel, 
And tumbled into the eddy : and they thereat 
Shouted aloud : and he, the prince Odusseus, 
Waked up : then sat he and pondered anxiously 
Thus in his heart and soul : ^' Alas, Me ! 

120 ' Now whither am I come, to what folk's land ? 

' And are they here unrighteous, rude and violent ? 
' Or kind to strangers are they, and have they a heart 
* That fears the gods ? There came about mine ears 
*A female shouting as of Maiden Nymphs 
' Who haunt high mountain tops, and river springs, 

125 ' And grassy meadows ! Am I somewhere then 

^ Near folk that speak with human voice ? But come, 
^ I'll make the proof at once myself." So saying, 
The prince Odusseus came from forth the bushes, 
And brake with sturdy hand a leafy branch 
From out the thicket, wherewithal to hide him 
About his manly midst. Then went he his way, 

130 Like a mountain lion, relying on his strength, 

That stalks abroad storm-drenched and weather-beaten, 
And flashing are his eyes with fire within : 
Anon he attacks or beeves or sheep ; or hunts 
The wilder hinds : for Belly bids him prowl, 



124 THE ODYSSEY. VI. 

And try at the flocks, e'en at their home-stead folds. 

135 So was Odusseus, naked all as he was, 

Now going to company with fair-tressed maidens ; 
For urgent need was on him. But to Them 
Terrible did he appear, befouled with brine, — 
Spray dried upon him : this way and that all trembling 
They fled by the jetty ing banks : and alone stayed 
The daughter of Alcinoos ; for to Her 

140 Athene gave good courage in her heart. 

And took away all bodily fear. Then firm 

There stood she face to face. Whereat Odusseus, 

He pondered, whether should he clasp her knees 

And supplicate the fair-eyed Maid, or whether, 

E'en as he was, to stand aloof, and pray her . 

With courteous words, to shew him the way to the Town 

145 And give him raiment. After pondering thus. 
It seemed the best to stand aloof and pray her 
With courteous words, lest in her heart the Maiden 
Should wax all wroth, were he to clasp her knees. 
Straight then he spake this courteous word and shrewd : 

I implore thee, lady ! And art thou then some goddess, 
' Or art thou a mortal woman ? If some goddess, 

150 'Of those that dwell in the vasty heaven, I indeed, 

* I deem thee like, most nearly like in figure, 

* In height and comely form, unto Artemis, 

' The daughter of great Zeus : but if of mortals 
' Any one art thou, of such as dwell on earth, 
' Then sure in thee thrice happy are thy father 
' And lady mother, and thrice happy too 
155 ' Thy brethren : sure on thy account, I ween, 
' Their spirit is ever warmed with gladsomeness 
' At seeing so fair a scion of their house 



BOOK Z, 



125 



Entering the choral dance : but happier far, 

Far beyond all, at very heart were He, 

That might prevail on thee with wedding gifts. 

And take thee unto his home. For with mine eyes 

A mortal never such have I yet seen, 

Or man, or woman ; a reverential awe 

Tal^es hold on me at the sight. Yea once, — at Delos 

By Apollo's altar a somewhat such I saw, — 

A fresh young plant of date-palm* shooting up : — 

(For thither also I went, and a great host 

Of troops there followed me, upon that voyage 

Which was to prove to me so sore and troublous :) 

In manner such as then^ long time with wonder 

I gazed at seeing that plant, for from the earth 

Never upgrew, methought, such stem as that ; 

So with amazement view I thee, woman, 

And gaze astonied ; and I strangely dread 

To clasp thy knees : but troublous grief is on me. 

Yestreen from out the tawny sea I escaped 

In the twentieth day : so long unceasingly 

The wave and hurrying whirlwinds tossed me about 

From the isle Ogygia : and now my chance has thrown me 

Hither ashore, to endure perhaps here also 

Yet further trouble ; for to rest I think not ; 

But sure much yet will the gods first bring to pass. 

But lady, pity me ! for to Thee first 

I'm come a suppliant, through full many a strait 

And evil pass : and never another one 

Know I of the folk, who hold this land and City. 

And show me at once thy Town, and give me a rag 

To put about me, if haply in coming hither 

* See Psalm xcii. 12. 



126 THE ODYSSEY. VI. 

' Thou hast perchance some piece of wrapper cloth. 

180 ' And may, may the gods vouchsafe thee, in full 

' Whate'er thy heart's desires ; may they grant thee 

' Husband and household, and brave unity 

' Of mind ; for nought more excellent than This 

' Nor braver is there, than when wife and husband 

' Manage their house in unity of thought : 

' To the hard-tempered is there many a trouble ; 

185 ' But to the kindly tempered, joyful bliss ; 

* And they themselves most chiefly understand it.'' 
Then answered him the white-armed Nausicaa : 

'' Stranger ! now since thou seem'st a man not base 
' Nor void of wit : (but 't is Olympian Zeus 

* Deals happiness to men, to noble and base, 
' E'en as he will, to each ; and unto thee 

190 ' Allotted has he all this, and thee it behoves 
' Entirely to submit ;) and now, since here 
'Thou comest unto our land and Town, no want 
' Of clothing shalt thou have, nor of aught else 
' Meet to supply a toil-worn suppliant's need. 
' The Town too I'll show thee, and tell thee its people's name. 

19o 'Phseacians are they called who have and hold 
' This land and City ; and I, I am the daughter 
' Of mighty-souled Alcinoos : upon whom 
'All the Phseacians' power and might depends." 
She spake : then bade her fair-tressed serving women : 
*' Stop ye, my handmaids ! whither do ye flee 
' At seeing a man ? Now sure ye think not, do ye, 

200 ' That he 'is some manner of foeman ? Not indeed 
' Is there such mortal man alive, nor shall be, 
' As might come bringing battle-strife to the land 
' Of our Phseacian men : for to the deathless 



BOOK Z. 127 

' Eiglit dear are thej. And outertnost we dwell 
' Aloof in the stormy deep : and never a one, 
205 * Of all mankind, comes to deal here with Us. 

* But This man, some unhappy sort of wanderer, 

' Comes hither suppliant, whom it now behoves us 
^ To tend ; for strangers all and mendicants 
' Are from the hand of Zeus : and a g-ift though small 
' Is welcome. Give ye then both meat and drink, 
'Ye handmaids, to the stranger : and in the river, 

210 ' Where, from the wind, is a sheltered nook, go wash him.'' 
She spake : whereat they stopped and each bade other : 
Then down they placed Odusseus in a shelter, 
E'en as the mighty-souled Alcinoos' daughter 
Nausicaa bade : and clothes they laid beside him, 
Mantle and coat ; and gave him liquid oil 

215 In the golden flask ; and bade him wash himself 

In the river-stream. Then spake the prince Odusseus 
Thus to the handmaids : " Stand ye aloof so far, 
' Ye handmaids, while alone here by myself 

* I wash this crusted sea-spray off my shoulders, 

* And 'noint me about with oil ; for long apart 
220 ' Has now forsooth been unguent from my limbs. 

' And I, I would not bathe me 'all openly ; 
' For to be naked I'm ashamed outright, 
' Coming among you fair-tressed maids." He spake: 
Whereat aloof went they and straight told the Maiden. 
Meanwhile, the prince Odusseus at the river. 
He 'gan from off his limbs to wash the brine 
225 Which covered all his back and stout broad shoulders : 
And from his head he wiped the crusted foam 
Of the barren sea. Now when he 'had washed him all, 
And 'nointed o'er with oil, and donned the raiment. 



128 THE ODYSSEY. VI. 

Whicli the free Maid had given him : taller then 
Jove-sprung Athene made him seem to look at 

230 And stouter ; made too his hair curl down in locks 
Crisp from his head, like hyacinthine blossom. 
As when a rim of gold is laid on silver 
By some right cunning workman, whom Hephaistos, 
The crafty Fire-king, and Athene Pallas 
Have taught all kinds of the art^ whereby he achieves 
Eight graceful handiworks ; so now on the prince 

235 Down showered she a comely grace about his head 
And shoulders. Then aloof to the shore of the sea 
He went and sat him, beaming all with grace 
And comeliness ; while the Maid looked on with wonder. 
Then straight to her fair-tressed handmaids spake she thus 
^' Hear me, ye white-armed handmaids, while I tell ye 

240 * A somewhat : Not without the will of All 

^ The Olympian gods comes This man here to mingle 
' Mongst the Phseacian godlike people. At first 

* He appeared, methought, unseemly indeed ; but now, 
' He 'is like the gods who dwell in the vasty heaven. 

' would now such as He, might one be called 
245 ' My husband, dwelling here, and that it pleased him 

* Here to remain ! But, handmaids, give ye at once 
^The stranger meat and drink." She spake ; whereat 
Full readily they gave ear, and did her bidding ; 
And set both meat and drink before Odusseus. 

And He, the much-enduring prince Odusseus, 
Did indeed drink and eat all ravenously, 
250 For long, too long, he 'had had no taste of food. 
Anon the white-armed Nausicaa thought out 
Another matter : the raiment had she folded 
And laid it in the goodly wain, and yoked 



BOOK Z, 129 

The strong-lioofed mules : now up she climbed and thus 
Aroused Odusseus and outspake this word : 
255 " Arise, strang-er, now, and come thy way 

' To the Town, that I may speed thee to the palace 
' Of my brave-hearted father ; where, I think, 

* All the Phseacians' noblest lords thou'lt see. 

' But sure do thus ; for not unwise thou seem'st ; 
' While through the fields and works of husbandmen 
' We go, come thou behind the mules and wain 
260 ' Together with my handmaids quickly along ; 

'And I'll go first on the way. But when at the Town 

* We arrive, round which is a lofty wall with towers, 

* And a fair haven, on either side the City, 

' With entrance narrow and straight : and rolling ships, 
' Hauled up, line all the passage ; for a dock 
265 ' Have they all, each one his own. There too they have, 
' About the beauteous temple of Poseidon, 
' A market place, built with embedded stones, 
' Dragged from the quarry. And there they tend their 
tackle, 

* Gear of their dusky ships, their sails and cables, 

' And shape their tapering oars. For to Phseacians 
270 * No care is the Bow or quiver, but ships' masts, 
' And oars and gallant ships, wherein with pride 

* They cross the surfy sea : the unwelcome talk 

' Of such I'll shun, lest some one mock behind us. 
' And very saucy are they among the people. 
' And one of the meaner sort might chance with us 
275 ' And haply talk on this wise : '' And who is This 
Tall, comely stranger, following Nausicaa ? 
" Where found she Him ? 'T is either some chance rover 
" She 'has welcomed here so kindly from his ship, 

9 



130 THE ODYSSEY. YI. 



280 



285 



290 



295 



300 



Some far off foreigner ; for near are none : 
Or down from heaven, in answer to her prayers, 
Has come to her some god, long-sought : and Him 
She'll hold for all her days. 'T is rather well 
If gadding thus about and all alone 
She 'has gone and found a husband from abroad. 
For sure enough all here throughout the land, 
Phseacians who come wooing her, many and noble, 
She sets at nought." Thus haply would they talk, 
And matter of reproach 't were so to me : 
And blamed sure had I, whosoe'er she were 
Should do such things as these indeed, and who 
Against the will of friends, father and mother. 
Were thus with men to hold converse, — at least 
Before her public wedding-day were come. — 
But to this word of mine take heed, stranger. 
If of my father wouldst thou obtain best speeding 
For thy return. Find shall we, near our path, 
Athene's far-famed sacred grove of poplars ; 
Wherein up-wells a spring, and meadows round it ; 
There too 'is my sire's domain and blooming garden. 
As far from the Town as might be heard one shouting 
There sit thee down, and stay awhile, till We 
Have reached the City and gained my father's palace. 
But soon as e'er thou think'st that We have reached 
The palace,— then come Thou too into the Town 
Of the Phseacians, and enquire for the palace 
Of mighty-souled Alcinoos, my brave father. 
Full easily is it known, and a mere child 
Would shew the way : for the Phseacians' houses 
Are built in no wise like unto the palace 
Of lord Alcinoos : when howe'er the palace 



BOOK Z. 131 

' And court o'ershadow thee, then pass right swiftly 

* Out through the hall until thou reach my mother. 
305 ^ Her back against the pillar, by the hearth 

' She sits in the firelight, winding on her distaff 
' Wool of sea-purple dye ; wondrous to look at ; 
' And her attendant damsels sit behind her. 
' There also stands against the fire-lit pillar 
' My father's throne, whereon he sits forsooth, 

* As though he were a god, and drinks his wine. 
310 ' By Him pass on, and fling thy suppliant hands 

' Upon my mother's knees, if wouldst thou see 
' With joy the day of thy return right quickly 

* How far away soe'er thou dwell'st. If minded 

* Kindly towards thee She forsooth shall be, 

' Then is there hope for thee to see thy friends 
315 * And reach thy fatherland and fair-built home." 
So saying, she smote the mules with shining whip ; 
Whereat they swiftly left the river-streams : 
And fair they paced along, and fair they stepped 
With changing feet and brisk. Yet carefully 
The reins she handled, and with prudent thought 
Scarcely laid on the lash, that those on foot, 
320 Odusseus and her handmaids, close might follow. 
Setting was now the Sun, just as they reached 
Athene's far-famed sacred grove ; whereinto 
Straightway the prince Odusseus went and sat him. 
Anon then to the Daughter of mighty Zeus 
He prayed : '^ hear me, thou Unwearied one, 

* Daughter of iEgis-bearing Zeus ! Hear now, 
325 ' hear me ! since afore in all my wreck, 

^ What time the far-famed Shaker of the Earth 

' Was wrecking me, thou never heard'st my prayer. 



132 THE ODYSSEY. VI. 

* Grant me to meet with welcome and kind pity 
' Mongst the Phseacians ! " Thus in prayer he spake 
And favouring ear Athene Pallas gave him. 
But not to sight appeared she yet before him, 
330 For of her father's brother stood she in fear : 
And He 'gainst prince Odusseus raged yet sore, 
Vehement, ere might he reach his native shore. 



J 



BOOK H, 133 



ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTH BOOK. H. 

Nausicaa, leaving Odusseus, proceeds home: lie, under the guidance of 
Athene, follows soon after ; throws himself at the knees of the queen 
Arete, and entreats her to speed him homewards. Alcinoos raises him 
and invites him to take supper. Arete recognizes his raiment and asks 
him how he came hy it. Whereupon he gives her an account of his pas- 
sage from Ogygia, how he arrived at Scheria, and how he received the 
clothes from Nausicaa. 



UTA : Odusseus kindly entertained 

In the isle of Scheriaj by the king Alcinoos, 



Thus was the much-enduring prince Odusseus 

There praying : meanwhile the strength of mules was 

bearing 
The Maiden unto the Town. And when she 'had reached 
Her father's far-famed halls, she stopped at the porch 
Where soon all round about her stood her brethren, 
5 Comely as Deathless gods ; and from the wain 

They loosed the mules, and indoors bare the raiment. 
Anon went she to her room : there an old woman 
Eurymedusa, a woman of the chambers, 
An Apeirsean, soon kindled her a fire : 
Their rolling ships erst brought her from Apeire, 
And choice of Her they made for the gift of honour 
10 Unto Alcinoos, for that he was lord 

O'er the Phseacians all, and all the people 
Gave ear to Him, as though he were a god. 



134 



THE ODYSSEY. YII. 



Nurse in the house to white-armed Nausicaa 
Was she : she used to light her fire, and bring 
Her supper in, and set it forth. Meanwhile, 
Now arose Odusseus on his way to the Town : 

15 Anon with kindly thought towards Odusseus 
Athene poured a thick mist all about him, 
Lest any 'of these proud-souled Phseacian folk 
Should haply meet and taunt him with sharp words, 
And ask him who he was. But presently, 
As he was now about to make his way 
Into the lovely Town, there came to meet him 

20 As 't were by chance, Athene, bright-eyed goddess, 
Seeming a little maiden with a pitcher. 
Before him now she stood : whereat the prince 
Odusseus, he thus questioned her : " Couldst guide me, 
' My Child, to the palace of the lord Alcinoos. 
' Chief ruler among these folk ? for a stranger here 
' I'm come, from forth a foreign far off land, 

25 * Through many a trouble : wherefore none do I know 
^ Of the folk who have and hold this Town and land." 
Then answered him Athene, bright- ej^ed goddess : 
" Yea, father Stranger, I, I'll shew thee the house 
' Thou bidst me, for indeed it lies hard by 
' Unto my faultless father's. But So ! Hush ! 

30 ' Go gently ; and I, I'll lead the way : look not 
' On any man howe'er, nor ask thou a question. 
* For here they bear not well with stranger folk, 
' Nor give they a kindly welcome unto any 
' That come from foreign parts. Here they put trust 
' In sharp-built nimble ships, wherewith they cross 

35 ' The vasty deep throughout ; since He who Shakes 
' The Earth has given them this : swift are their ships, 



BOOK H. 135 

' Swift e'en as thought, or wing of bird." So saying, 
Briskly Athene Pallas led the way : 
And close tracked he the footsteps of the goddess. 
Thus the ship-famed Phseacians noted not 

40 Mim as along the Town he passed among them ; 
For the awful goddess, comely-tressed Athene, 
Suffered it not : but with kind thoughts at heart 
A marvellous mist upon him poured she down. 
With wondering eyes howe'er Odusseus looked 
On the havens, and brave ships, and the market Place 
Where their lords met, and on the great high walls, 

45 Furnished with palisades, wondrous to look at. 

But when they now had reached the far-famed halls 
Of the king, then spake Athene, bright-eyed goddess. 
The foremost word : '' Here, father Stranger, This, 
* This is the house thou bad'st me point thee out : 
' And here thou'lt find the Jove-loved lords at feast, 

50 * Feasting : but in go thou ; and have at heart 
' No manner of fear : for a bold man is abler, 
' Come from how far soe'er, in every business. 
' Now foremost in the halls go find the Queen ; 
' Arete (the Desired) is the name that's given her : 
' And of the self-same ancestors is she, 

55 * As is the king Alcinoos. First, Poseidon, 
' The Shaker of the Earth, begat Nausithoos, 
' Whose mother was of womankind the choicest 
' For beauty, Periboia, youngest daughter 
' Of mighty-souled Eurymedon, who reigned 
' Aforetime o'er the daring Earth-born Giants : 

60 * But all to ruin brought he his impious people, 
' And came to nought himself. Thus then of Her 
' Poseidon had a son, high-souled Nausithoos 



136 THE ODYSSEY. VII. 

' Who amongst Phseacians lield the sovereign sway : 
^ Two sons then had Nausithoos born to him, 
' Ehexenor and Alcinoos. But new wedded, 
' Without male issue, died at home Rhexenor, 

65 ' Slain by Apollo of the silver bow, 

' And left behind him but an only daughter, 

' Arete ; and Her Alcinoos took to wife : 

' And Her he 'has honoured, as on the face of Earth 

' Sure is none other woman ever honoured 

^ Of all the wives that (now-a-days at least) 

' Have guidance of the household under husbands. 

70 ' Yea, in all hearts is She, both prized and loved, 
' Of her own children, of the king Alcinoos, 
' And of the people, who with admiration, 
*As were she a goddess, look on her, and greet her 
^ With words of welcome, whensoe'er abroad 

* Forth walks she along the Town. For of brave wit 

* No manner of want has She forsooth ; and an end 
75 ' She puts to strife, e'en among men, wherever 

' Kind thoughts has she towards them. If now at heart 

* Should She but entertain kind thoughts for Thee, 
' Then is there hope for thee to see thy friends 

* And reach thy fair-built home and fatherland." 
So saying, Athene, bright-eyed, sped away 
Forth to the fruitless deep ; left lovely Scheria, 

80 And came to Marathon, and broad- way ed Athens, 
And entered there Erechtheus' strong-built palace. 
Meanwhile to Alcinoos' far-famed halls Odusseus 
Drew near : he stopped, and many a thought of heart 
He pondered ere he reached the brazen threshold. 
For splendour was there as of sun or moon 

85 About great-souled Alcinoos' high-roofed palace. 



BOOK H. 137 

For carried all along on either side, 
E'en from the entrance into the inmost house, 
Were brazen walls, with frieze of dark blue sapphire : 
And golden doors shut in the strong'-built palace ; 
And silver door-posts stood on the brazen threshold ; 
90 And fixed above them was a silver lintel : 

Of gold the crow's-beak handle. Also of gold 
And silver were there dogs on either side. 
Deathless and free for aye from growing old, 
The which Hephaistos, of his cunning skill. 
Had wrought, to guard high-souled Alcinoos' palace. 
95 Within, along the wall on either side. 

Throughout from the entrance into the inner room 
Were stately chairs arranged ; whereon were spread 
Fine, fair-woven tapestries, the handiwork of women. 
And There were seated the Phgeacian princes, 
Drinking and eating : for they kept good cheer 

100 Perpetual. There on fair-built pedestals 

Stood golden lads, with blazing torch in hand, 
Lighting the guests by night throughout the halls. 
And fifty women slaves had he in the palace : 
Some at the mills who grind* the yellow corn ; 
And others weave the web, or sit and wind 

105 The wool upon the distafi", nimble as leaves 
Of the tall aspen tree : and from the linen. 
Close-woven so fine, e'en liquid oil runs off". 
As the Phseacians on the deep are skilled 
Beyond all Men to urge the nimble ship. 
So at the loom right cunning are the women. 

110 For to Them passing skill Athene has given 
In right fair handiworks, and a brave wit. 

* See Exod. xi. 5, and Matth. xxir, 41. 



138 THE ODYSSEY. VII. 

Without, and reaching to the courtyard gates 
Was a large orchard, such as some four yokes 
Might plough in a day : on every side about it 
Was led a fence, within the which there flourished 

115 Tall trees of goodly growth, pomegranate, pear. 
Bright-fruited apple-trees, sweet fig, and olive 
In prime luxuriance. Never comes to nought 
The fruit thereof, nor ever does it fail, 
Lasting the whole year round, winter and summer : 
And Zephyr's never ceasing South West breeze 
Is ever forming some and ripening others. 

120 Apple on apple, pear on pear grows ripe ; 
Bunch after bunch of grapes, fig after fig. 
There too he had a fruitful vineyard planted ; 
Whereof a sunny spot is levelled smooth 
And sun-baked; where they dry the gathered fruit 
In part ; and part they tread for wine : and there 

125 At once before one's eyes are unripe grapes. 

Some shedding bloom, and some just turning purple. 
And there, by the outside row, trim garden plots 
Of every sort are planted, looking glad 
All the year round : there also welled two springs ; 
Whereof was one dispersed through all the garden ; 

130 Under the courtyard entrance towards the palace 
Forth flowed the other, whence the citizens 
Were wont to fetch them water. Such bright gifts, 
Gifts from the gods, adorned Alcinoos' dwelling. 
There stood the much-enduring prince Odusseus 
And gazed with wonder, and when to heart's content 
He had gazed on all, he qnickly overstepped 

135 The threshold into the palace ; and there found 
The dukes and guardian chiefs of the Phseacians 



BOOK H. 139 

Pouring libations from their cups to Hermes, 

The watchful Argus-killer, unto whom 

Their custom was to pour libation last 

Whene'er they thought of bed.* Straight through the 

room 
Went he, the much-enduring prince Odusseus, 

140 All clad in the mist Athene shed about him, 
Until he reached Arete and king Alcinoos. 
Anon Odusseus flung his hands on the knees 
Of queen Arete. Then that marvellous mist 
From him forthwith was all dispersed again. 
And mute throughout the hall at seeing the man 

140 Became they and wondered at the sight : then He, 
Odusseus, 'gan thus praying : " queen Arete, 
' Godlike Rhexenor's daughter ! hither I come, 
' Through many a toil, now suppliant to thy lord, 
' And to thy knees, and unto all these guests, 
' To whom may the gods grant happy life ; 
' And to his children in his house may each 

150 ' Bequeath his wealth and whatso gift of honour 

' The people have given : but me, give me a speeding 
* That I may reach my fatherland right quickly : 
' Since now for a long time far away from friends 
' I'm suffering sore distress." So saying, he sat him 
Down at the hearth in ashes by the fire : 
Whereat all still and silent they remained. 

155 After long time now spake an ancient lord, 
Old Echeneus, among Phseacian chiefs 
The most advanced in years, and much he excelled 
In skill of words, and ancient lore and various. 
With kind shrewd thought outspake he thus and said : 

* Compaxe B. v. 45, etc. 



140 THE ODYSSEY. VII. 

^' Alcinoos ! not so comely is This, nor seemly, 

160 ' That a Stranger sit on the ground at the hearth in ashes : 
' And all here, waiting for Thy word, hold back. 
' But come now, make the Stranger rise, and seat him 
' Upon that silver-studded throne : and thou, 
* Bid thou the serjeant yet again mix wine^ 
' To pour libation also unto the Thunderer 
' High Zeus, for guardian escort is he ever 

165 ^ With suppliant wanderers, and they 'are privileged : 
' And to the Stranger let the stewardess 
' Bring of her ready stores and give him supper." 
Now when his sacred mightiness Alcinoos 
Heard this, he took the shrewd and wily Odusseus 
By the hand, and raised him from the hearth, and placed 

him 
Upon a splendid throne, wherefrom he 'had bidden 

170 His manly son arise, Laodamas, 

Who next him sat, and whom he loved most chiefly. 

Anon, a serving-woman brought him water 

To wash his hands, o'er which from beauteous ewer, 

Golden, she poured it into a silver basin : 

A polished table then she set beside him ; 

Whereto the stewardess, a reverend dame, 

175 Producing freely from her ready stores. 

Brought bread and many a dainty cate beside 
And set them on. And the much-enduring prince 
Odusseus, he forthwith did drink and eat. 
Anon his sacred mightiness Alcinoos 
Thus bade his page : " Pontonoos, mix a bowl, 
' And bear wine round, to every guest in hall, 

180 'To make libation also unto the Thunderer 
' High Zeus, for guardian escort is He ever 



BOOK H, 141 

' With suppliant wanderers, and they 'are privileged." 
He spake : whereat forthwith Pontonoos mingled 
Delicious wine ; then charged the cups, and round 
Served all the guests : and when they 'had poured libation, 
And each had drank as much as heart desired, 
185 Then thus outspake among them king Alcinoos : 
^'List, ye Phseacian dukes and guardian princes, 
' The while I speak, e'en as my heart commands me : 
' Now that our feast is o'er, for home and bed 

* Withdraw ye ; but to-morrow morn more Elders 
' Hither we'll bid, and in our halls give welcome 

190 ' And guest-rites unto the Stranger ; and to the gods 

* We'll offer goodly sacrifice : and then 

' Bethink us will we of speeding forth the Stranger J 
' So he may reach, all free from toil and sorrow 
' Under our escort, joyously and swiftly, 

* His fatherland, how far soever it be : 
195 ' And that he suffer by the way meanwhile 

' No manner of ill or mischief ; till at least 
' On his own land he sets his foot : sure There, 

* He then shall suffer whatsoe'er his Fate 

' And the Stern Spinsters spun him at his birth 

* With his first thread, what time his mother bare him. 

* If howe'er This be a Deathless one come down 
200 ' From heaven, then sure the gods herein are plotting 

* Somewhat or other very cunningly. 

' For always heretofore do the gods appear 
' Palpably manifest to Us, when we offer 
' Illustrious hecatombs : and where We sit, 

* They sit beside us, and partake the banquet. 

' And should e'en some chance lonely wayfarer 
205 ' Fall in with them, they never use concealment : 



142 THE ODYSSEY. VII. 

' For akin to Them are we, as near as the Cyclops, 

* And as the wild fierce tribes of the Earth-born Giants." 
Then answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 

*' Alcinoos ! be some other care thy thought ; 
' For I, no semblance have I to the Deathless, 
' Who dwell in the vasty heaven, neither in form 
S 10 ^ Nor stature, but alone to death-doomed mortals : 
' And whomsoe'er, of all the race of man, 

* Ye know most whelmed in wretchedness, — to such 

* For woes might I be equalled. Yea and more troubles 
' E'en yet could I recount,— so many and great 

' At the gods' will Fve suffered altogether. 
215 ' But now permit me, howsoe'er in grief, 

' To take my supper : for there comes nought else 
' More Dog-like ever on— than the troublous Belly, 
' Which Bids one think about it, e'en perforce, 
' Toil-worn howe'er and having sorrow at heart. 

* As indeed I too, — I have sorrow at heart ; 

^ Yet This keeps ever bidding Eat and Drink, 

* And makes me clean forget all I 've endured, 
220 ' And urgently demands to fill itself. 

' But you, haste ye with the peep of Dawn, 
' And land this wretched Me, woe-worn however, 
' On mine own fatherland : let e'en life 
' Leave me, — if but I set mine eyes again 

225 * Upon mine own,— household and high-roofed home !" 
He spake : and straightway 'gan they all to approve, 
And urged the speeding of the Stranger forth. 
For that he spake right meetly. And as they now 
Had poured libation, and to heart's content 
They all had drank, — their several ways they went 

230 Each home for bed. But he, the prince Odusseus, 



BOOK H. 143 

Was left behind in the palace ; and beside him 
Sitting were both Arete and the king 
Godlike Alcinoos : and the attendant damsels 
Soon cleared away the banquets' furniture. 
Foremost anon then spake white-armed Arete, 
For at sight she recognized the coat and mantle, 
235 The raiment, goodly, she herself had made 

With her attendant ladies : so she addressed him 
And spake these winged words : '^0 guest. This first 
' Would I myself now ask thee, — Who ? and whence art ? 
' And Who gave thee this raiment ? Sayst thou not 

* Thou com'st a wanderer hither over the deep ? " 
240 Straight answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 

" To tell my troubles first and last, queen, 

' Were hard ; for the heavenly gods have given me many. 

' But this, thou askest me with such enquiry, 

' I'll tell thee. Far away there lies in the sea 

* A certain isle, Ogygia ; there a daughter 

245 ^ Of Atlas dwells, a fair-tressed, powerful goddess, 
' Wily Calypso : and no intercourse 
' With her has any one, — neither of gods, 
' Neither of death-doomed men. But only Me, 

* This wretched Me my Chance led unto her hearth, 
' After that Zeus with flashing thunderbolt 

' Smote me my nimble ship and shattered it 
250 * In the midst of the purple deep : then utterly 
' Perished the rest my gallant comrades all : 

* But I, I caught the mast of the rolling ship 

* Within mine arms, and so was borne nine days : 
' And on the tenth dark night at the isle Ogygia 

' The gods vouchsafed to land me, where Calypso, 
255 ' The fair-tressed, powerful goddess dwells : and she, 



144 THE ODYSSEY. YII. 

' She took me and readily welcomed me, and fed me ; 
' And said how she would make me free from death 
' And ever from old age : but in this breast 

* My heart she never won. Seven years continual 

* There then I stayed ; and with my tears unceasing 
260 ' Used I to drench my^ clothes, the ambrosial raiment 

' Calypso gave me : when howe'er at length 

* The eighth on-coming year drew nigh upon me, 

' Then urgent, moved by message sent from Zeus, — 
' Or her own mind was changed, — she bade me sail. 

* And forth she sped me upon a strong-bound raft ; 

' And gave me many a store, smooth wine and bread ; 
265 ' And clad me in clothes ambrosial ; and sent forth 
' A prosperous breeze, all harmless, warm and soft. 
' Cleaving the deep for seventeen days I sailed ; 

* And of your land appeared the shadowy mountains 

* In sight on the eighteenth : and my very heart 
' Was glad,— ill-fated Me ! for sure close-linked 

S70 * E'en yet I was to be with many a woe 

' Poseidon, Shaker of the Earth, soon sent me ! 

' For winds he upraised against me and barred my passage, 

* And troubled the awful sea : and never a whit 

' My carriage on the raft would the wave allow me, 
' Loud groaning though I was. The hurricane 
275 ' Soon scattered it asunder : I howe'er, 

* I swam, and clave this vasty deep right through : 
' Until the wind and water bare and brought me 

' Towards your coast. There sure in getting out 
' The swell had cast me against the mighty rocks, 
' A joyless place, and dashed me hard ashore : 
280 * But I withdrew me back and swam again, 

* Until I came to a river, where methought 



BOOK JET. 145 

* There seemed tbe choicest place, all free from rocks, 

^ Smooth ; and a sheltered nook there was from the wind. 

* Then taking heart I threw me ashore, and soon 
' On came ambrosial night : then stepped I aloof 

235 * Up from the rain-fed river and laid me down 

' To sleep 'mongst shrubs, and heaped me a bed of leaves ; 

' And sleep the god poured endless down upon me. 

^ There sad at very heart I slept in the leaves 

^The whole night through, till morn, and e'en mid-day. 

' The Sun was sinking when sweet slumber left me. 

290 * Anon thy daughter's handmaids on the beach 

* At play I noticed : and herself among them 

' Was like to a goddess. Her I approached all suppliant ; 
' And never a whit swerved She from a right brave mind : 
' One of the younger sort thou mightst not think 
' Would meet and so behave ; for the younger sort 

295 ' Are thoughtless ever. Food she gave me, plenty ; 
' And sparkling wine ; and washed me in the river ; 
' And gave me These, these clothes. Thus grieved howe'er, 
' To^ thee I 'have told the truth from first to last." 
Straight then Alcinoos answered him and said : 
" Stranger ! now sure herein at least not right 

300 * Has my child thought, in that she led thee not 
' With her attendant women unto our house : 

* And yet a suppliant thou besought'st her first !" 
Then answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 

'' My lord ! on this account, I pray thee, twit not 
*The faultless maiden ; for indeed she bade me 

* Follow her with her handmaids : but I would not, 
305 ' Feeling both shame and fear, lest at the sight 

' Thy spirit should be perchance indignant at me : 
' For all we, race of humankind on the Earth, 

10 



146 THE ODYSSEY. VII. 

' Are sadly prone to jealousy." Whereat 
Alcinoos answered him again and said : 
'* Stranger ! not in this breast of mine have I 
Such manner of heart, as to be wroth all idly : 
310 * Every thing Right howe'er is well and fitting. 
Zeus father ! and Athene ! and Apollo ! 

'would that one of such a sort as thou art, 
And minded in such manner as I myself, 
Might have my child to wife, and remain here 
My son-in-law 1 give thee would I a house 
And wealth, if wouldst but willingly remain : 

315 ^ Against thy will howe'er shall never a one 
Of the Phseacians keep thee : not were This 
Pleasing to father Zeus. And for this matter, 
Thy speeding forth, that thou may'st know of a surety, 

1 appoint it for to-morrow : then may'st thou 
Subdued by slumber lay thee down, and they 
Meanwhile shall sail the calm, until thou reach 

320 * Thy fatherland and home, if haply at all 

It please thee so ; yea though 't were further out 
By far than e'en Euboea ; which is far 
Outmost, say they of our people that have seen it, 
"When thither took they yellow-haired Rhadamanthys 
To look on the Earth-sprung Tityos, son of Gaia : 

325 ' E'en thither went they too, and without fatigue 
In that same day achieved, and home again 
Performed their voyage. And within thy heart 
Thyself shalt know too, how My ships are choicest, 
And how my lads, — with oar to upthrow the sea." 
He said : and glad was the much-enduring prince 
Odusseus ; and he prayed thereat, and spake 

330 This word and gave it utterance loud : ^' Zeus father ! 



BOOK H. 147. 

* that, — whateA^er has he said, — may Alcinoos 

* Bring all to achievement ! — inextinguishable 

' So on the bounteous Earth may be His name, 

' And I, reach may I my fatherland !" 

In such wise did they talk each one with other. 

335 Anon, white-armed Arete bade her damsels 
Set forth a bed in the eastern corridor. 
And cast fair purple blankets thereupon, 
And spread out rugs a-top, and lay forth mantles 
Woollen, wherewith to wrap oneself all o'er : 
From forth the hall then went they, torch in hand. 

340 Soon as with haste they 'had spread the thick-stuffed couch. 
Straight came they and stood and summoned thus Odusseus : 
" Up now for bed, Stranger, 't is all made." 
They spake : and unto Him the Going to Bed 
Did seem right welcome. Thus then sleeping there 
On a carved couch in the echoing corridor, 
Was He, the much-enduring prince Odusseus. 

345 While in the loft^T- palace inner chamber 

Lay king Alcinoos, and there lay beside him 
His wife, the lady mistress, who prepared 
The royal marriage-bed herself and shared. 



148 THE ODYSSEY. YIII. 



ARGUMENT OF THE EIGHTH BOOK. Q. 

The king summons an assembly of the Phseacians for the purpose of intro- 
ducing the Stranger, and for the means of escorting him home : he gives 
a grand banquet on the occasion, during which he has a public display of 
games, at which the Bard sings, to an accompanying dance, a lay of the 
adulterous loves of Ares and Aphrodite ; and afterwards of the Wooden 
Horse ; Odusseus weeps at the recital, whereupon Alcinoos takes occasion 
to ask him who he is. 



THETA : Odusseus in a game of quoits 
Beats the Phceacian youths : the Minstrel's lays. 



Soon as appeared the rosy- fingered Eos, 
Child of the early Dawn,— upsprang from bed 
His sacred mightiness the king Alcinoos, 
Up also arose the City-waster Chief 
Jove-sprung Odusseus. Forth then unto assembly 
His sacred mightiness the king Alcinoos 
5 Led them the way, to the Place, which the Phseacians 
Had built them near the ships. There were they wont 
To assemble and sit on the polished stones together : 
And now, deyising for great-souled Odusseus 
His home-return, — went walking about the City 
Pallas Athene, in fashion like the herald 
Of sage Alcinoos : and each man she met 
10 She accosted and spake thus : " Haste to the Assembly, 
' Haste ye Phseacian dukes and guardian princes, 



BOOK 0. 149 

' That ye may hear ahout the new come Stranger 
' At sage Alcinoos' palace, a suppliant wand'rer 
' Over the deep he 'is come and is in fashion 

* Like to the Deathless ones." So saying, she stirred 
15 The spirit and eager soul of every one. 

Then swiftly was the Place of gathering filled, 
And all the seats, with gathering folk ; and many, 
Soon as they saw Laertes' shrewd-souled son, 
Gazed wondering ; for Athene showered npon him 
A marvellous grace about his head and shoulders, 

20 And made him taller and more stout to look at, 
That pleasing might he be to all the Phseacians, 
And worshipful and reverend ; and might ably 
Achieve the many contests, in the trial 
Whereof should the Phseacians prove Odusseus. 
Now soon as were they gathered and all met 
In full assembly, thus outspake Alcinoos 

25 And said before them : " List! ye guardian princes 
' And dukes of the Phseacians, while I speak 
' E'en as the spirit within my breast now bids me. 
' The Stranger here, I know not who he is, 
' Whether from Eastern or from Western folk, 
' Is come a suppliant wanderer to my house, 

* And urgent is he for a speeding forth, 

30 ' And prays it may be assured him. Wherefore We, 

* Let us, as ever heretofore we 'are wont, 

* Furnish a speedy escort. For no, never 

' Does any one, who haply comes a suppliant 
' Unto my house, stay here in grief long time 
' For want of escort. Come then, a dusky ship, 
' New for first sailing, launch we into the sea. 
35 ' And two and fifty lads, such as already 



150 THE ODYSSEY. VIII. 

' Are proved the best, let there at once be chosen 

* Among the people. And bind ye fast her oars 

' Securely by the thwarts, and all then leave her : 
' Then come ye into our palace, and make ready 
' A banquet in all haste : and I, I'll furnish 
40 * Amply for all. To the youths I give these orders : 

* But come all you, ye sceptre-bearing princes, 

* Unto my goodly courts that we may treat 

' The Stranger in my halls with kindly welcome : 
' And let not one say No : bid ye also quick 
'The wondrous bard Demodocus : for the god 

* To Him has given the art of song, delightsome, 
45 * Surpassingly, in whatso manner his heart 

' E'er bids him sing." So saying, he led the way ; 
And they, the sceptred princes, followed with him : 
And a herald went to seek the wondrous bard : 
And two and fifty youths were chosen, and went, 
As the king bade, to the beach of the barren sea, 

50 And soon as had they reached the sea and the ship. 

First hauled they down the dusky ship and launched her 

Into the depth of sea, and put on board her 

Both mast and sails ; and ranged her oars secure 

With twisted leathern thongs, all orderly : 

Then her white sails they unfurled ; and her they moored 

55 In the open sea : then straight they came their ways 
Unto the roomy halls of sage Alcinoos. 
Soon then were filled the sunny corridors, 
Court-yards and rooms, with gathering throngs of men: 
Full many indeed there w^ere, both young and old. 
Twelve sheep forthwith Alcinoos slaughtered them, 

60 Eight white-tusked hogs, and two slow-footed beeves ; 
Which soon they flayed and dressed ; and made them ready 



BOOK 0. 151 

A jocund feast. Anon drew near the herald, 
Leading' the welcome Minstrel ; whom the Muse 
Loved beyond measure ; yet she gave him evil 
As well as good : she amerced him in his eyes ; 
But gave sweet power of minstrelsy. In the midst 

65 Before the guests and 'gainst a lofty pillar 
Pontonoos placed him a silver-studded chair. 
Then, on a pin just o'er his head, the herald 
Hanged up his brisk-toned harp, and taught him how 
To reach it with his hands ; and set beside him 
A comely table and basket ; also a goblet 

70 Of wine at hand to drink when soul desired. 
Now on the viands ready set before them 
The guests put forth their hands. And when at length 
They 'had put away desire for meat and drink, 
The Muse then urged the Bard to chant the lays 
Of Doughty Men, a song the fame whereof 
Reached then e'en up to the vasty heaven : " The Quarrel 

75 Of Peleus' son Achilles and Odusseus ;" 

How on a time at a goodly feast of the gods 
With angry words they wrangled : and how at heart 
Glad was the chief of chieftains Agamemnon, 
When that the princes of the Achaians wrangled. 
For so had erst Apollo Phoebus uttered 
And given him answer in prophetic word, 

80 At sacred Pytho, when he there o'erstepped 
The stone-hewn threshold, to consult the god : 
For then did roll the Beginning of their misery 
On Trojans and on Danaans, through the will 
Of mighty Zeus. So sang the far-famed Songster : 
Whereat Odusseus with his sturdy hands 
Gathering his purple cloak, drew 'it o'er his head. 



152 THE ODYSSEY. VIII. 

85 And hid his comely face : for ashamed he felt 
In the Phseacians' presence to let flow 
The tears beneath his eyebrows. But whenever 
The wondrous Minstrel ceased his minstrelsy, 
Then wiped he as oft his tears, and from his head 1 
Drew off the cloak, and took a twin-cupped goblet 
And poured as oft libation to the gods : 

90 Yet whensoe'er the Bard began again, — 

And the Phseacian princes would yet urge him 

To sing such lays, for therewith made they merry,- 

So oft again Odusseus hid his head. 

And wept for grief. The notice of all there 

He escaped in shedding tears, save that Alcinoos, — 

Who at hand beside him sat, — alone observed 

95 And noted him ; and heard his heavy sobbing. 
Whereat to the Phseacians, fond of oars, 
Outspake he thus forthwith : " Give ear, ye dukes 
' Of the Phseacians, and ye guardian princes ! 
' Now that we 'have filled our soul to full content 
' Both with the gallant feast, and with the harp, 

* That meet accompaniment to the jocund feast, — 
100 * Forth let us go at once, and try our luck 

* In every manner of contest, that our Guest, 

* On his returning home, may tell his friends, 
' How much all others we excel, in boxing, 

^ Also in wrestling, — foot-race, and in leaping." 
So saying, he led the way ; and close behind 
They followed him : then up, upon the pin, 
105 The herald hanged the brisk-toned harp, and took 
Demodocus by the hand and led him forth 
From out the hall, and guided him along 
The self-same path, whereby were gone the others, 



BOOK 6. 153 

All the Phseacian lords, to view the contests. 

Their way thus they went to the Place of gathering, 

And with them went a great crowd, numberless : 
110 Up then arose full many a youth and gallant. 

Up stood Acr6ne6s,^--Elatreus,2— Nauteus,' — 

Ocyalo3,*--Eretmeus,^~Prymneus,^ — Ponteus,' — 

Anchialos/ and Anabesineos,^ — 

Thoon/"— and Proreuc,"— also Amphialos/^ 

The son of Polyneus'^ Tectonides ;^* 

Up too Euryalos,^^ like unto Ares, — 
115 The god of battles, — bane of humankind ; 

Also Naubolides,^® who of all the Phseacians 

Was the most choice in comely form and stature, 

After the blemishless Laodamas." 

Up also stood the blemishless three sons 

Of king Alcinoos/^ — both Laodamas, 

And Halios,^^ and the godlike Clytoneus.'^" 
120 Now these tried first a match for speed of foot. 

And from the starting-line was set their course : 

And all away together 'gan they scudding 

In rapid flight and dusty o'er the plain. 

Of these howe'er was best by far for running 

Blemishless Clytoneus : and, by such distance 

As mules in ploughing a fallow-land beat oxen, — 
125 So far outstripping Them he reached the people, 

And They were left behind. Then others tried 

Their prowess in the painsome art of wrestling : 

15 Of-the-broad-sea. 

Js Fathomer. 

i' Tamer-of-people. 

18 Stout-hearted. 

19 Of-the-sea. 

20 Famous-for-ships. 



1 Ship-top. 


8 By-the-Sea. 


2 Elastic-rower. 


9 Go-aboard. 


3 Sailor. 


10 Nimble. 


* Sea-swift. 


11 Look-out. 


5 Oarsman. 


12 Sea-girt. 


6 Steersman. 


13 Of-many-ships. 


7 Mariner. 


1* Son-of-a-shipwright 



154 THE ODYSSEY. VIII. 

And her6 Euryalos beat all the best. 
At leap Ampbialos was best past all : 
Far beyond all Elatrens was at quoit : 
130 At boxing, king Alcinoos' gallant son, 

Laodamas. When all had cheered their hearts 
In these contested games, then thus outspake 
Laodamas, Alcinoos' son, amongst them : 
*' Come now, my friends, and let us ask our Guest, 

* Whether at all he 'has learnt and has a knowledge 

* Of any sort of contest : sure not bad 
135 ' Is he in bodily growth at least, — in legs, 

' And thighs, and both his arms above, and neck 
' Stout, and great strength : nor lacks he ever a whit 
' Of youthful prime, but somewhat is he bruised 

* By many a hardship : for there 'is nothing else 
' So bad, I think for my part, as the sea 

' To batter a man, how strong so ever he is." 
140 Then answered him Euryalos and said : 
*^ Laodamas, right fitly hast thou spoken 

* This word : now go thyself and call him forth 

* At once, and intimate the matter to him." 
Soon as Alcinoos' gallant son heard this. 

Straight went he and stood in the midst before Odusseus, 
And thus addressed him : " Come now, father Stranger, 
145 ' And Thou too, try thy luck here in the contests, 
' If any hast thou haply learnt : and likely, 
^ 'T is likely that in contests art thou knowing : 
' For sure to a man there is not greater glory, 

* As long as e'er he lives, than that he 'is able 

* To avail for somewhat with his legs and arms. 
' But come and try thy luck, and scatter away 

150 * All sorrow from thy heart ; not lag much longer 



BOOK G, 155 

' Now shall thy voyage ; but already launched 

* For thee is a ship, and shipmates all prepared." 
Then answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 

" Why do ye taunt me thus, Laodamas, 
' By such request? Far more indeed are sorrows 
' Than contests, in my mind, for sure I 'have suffered 
155 ' Ere now full many a trouble, and but hardly 

* 'Soaped many an evil pass : and now here, craving 
' My return home, I sit in your assembly, 

' Entreating both your king and all your people." 
Whereat Euryalos then answered him, 
And face to face reviled him : '' Well said, Stranger ! 
' For no ! not Thee do I take for a man of skill 
160 'In contests, such as are in vogue in the world ; 

* But deem thee more like one whose wont is traffic, 
' Ever engaged on board his merchant-ship, 

' Some captain of a crew that follow trade, — 

* One thinking of his cargo, and whose eye 
' Is keen on merchandize, and hasty gains ; 
' But not like a competitor in contests !" 

165 Straight answered him Odusseus ever-ready. 

Eyeing him all askant : '* Stranger, thou 'hast spoken 
' Not mannerly ; thou seem'st an arrogant man. 
' Thus is 't forsooth,— the god grants not alike 

* To all men gifts of grace, whether in mind 

* Or body, or in the art of ready speech. 

' One man in outward form indeed is weaker, 
170 ' But the god puts a crown of shapeliness 
' Upon his words ; whereat the hearers gaze 

* Upon him with delight, the while he harangues 

* Unfalteringly with courteous modesty, 

' And shines conspicuous in the thronged assembly : 



156 THE ODYSSEY. VIII. 

' And as he walks the Town they look upon him, 
'As on a god. Another man, again, 
175 'In comely form is like the Deathless ones ; 

* While nought of gracefulness e'er crowns his words. 
' Thus— hast e'en Thou a form indeed right proper, 

' And no, not e'en a god might fashion hetter ; 
' But, as for understanding, —empty art thou ! 
' Wrath hast thou stirred within my very heart, 

* By these thy words unmannerly. — And I, 
180 ' Not am I quite unpractised in such contests, — 

' As at least Thou giv'st out, — hut Was, I ween, 
' Among the first, so long as I had trust 
' In youthful strength and in these arms of mine : 
' But Now I 'am nipped by troubles and distress ; 
' For many a moil I 'have borne,— battles of men, — 
' And many,— faring through the troublous waves. 

185 ' But for all that, — though suffering many a pain, 
' I 11 try your contests ; — for thy speech was biting, 
' Heart-biting ; and thy words have stirred me to it." 
He spake ; then started up with cloak and all. 
And seized a quoit, — thick and of larger size, 
And heavier, not a little indeed, than that 
Which the Phseacians used in playing together : 

190 Whirling he sent it from his sturdy hand ; 

And humming flew the stone : and down to the ground 
Crouched those Pheeacian long-oar -using men, 
Famous for ships, — to avoid the flying block. 
But forth beyond the casts of all it flew, 
Bunning out lightly from his hand ; and marks 
For bounds Athene set there, who appeared 

195 In the fashion of a man, and spake this word 
And uttered it aloud : "Sure one e'en blind. 



BOOK Q, 157 

' A-groping, might distinguish well This mark 
' Of Thine, Stranger ! since 'tis never a whit 

* Mixed in the crowd; but foremost is 't by far. 
'And Thou, — take heart at any rate for This, 

' This contest. Not a man of the Phseacians 
200 ' Will hurl past This, nor reach it." Spake she thus ; 
And glad was the much-enduring prince Odusseus, 
Joyful at seeing among the assembled throng 
A friend thus toward : with lighter heart then spake he 
- 'Mongst the Phgeacians : '^ Now, young men, to This, 
' Come up to This : and quickly I hope to send 
' After it one as big, or e'en yet bigger. 
205 ' And of the rest, aye, any one whose heart 

* And spirit so bid, come on, and let him try, — 

' As ye 'have so wrathed me, — let him try his luck 

' At boxing, wrestling, or e'en speed of foot, 

' Nought care I at which ; come any of all the Phaeacians, 

' Saving Laodamas ; for He 'is my host : 

' Who, who would strive for masteries with the friend 

210 * That welcomes him ? Witless indeed were He, 
' And a man foolish,— who in a foreign land 
' Engaged in rival contest with his host : 
' All his own welfare does he jeopard thus ; 
' But upon never a one of all the rest 
' Do I turn my back, nor slight him ; but I'm willing 
' To know him face to face and try my luck. 

215 * For not all worthless am I among stout men, 

' Whate'er the contests. Well do I know to handle 

' The polished Bow : foremost to hit. a man 

' Were I, in shooting into the foemen's throng ; 

' Howe'er so many comrades at my side 

' There stood and bent their bows at men. With the Bow 



158 THE ODYSSEY. VIII. 

''Twas only Philoctetes e'er excelled me, 
220 ' Upon the field of Trojans, when we Achaians 

* Took aim with bows. Yet best before all others, 
' By far, of all such men as now-a-days 

* Eat bread on the Earth, do I think myself to be : 

* Not howe'er do I think to vie with the men 
'Of former days, no, not with Heracles, 

' Nor yet with Eurytos the (Echalian chief, 
225 ' Who thought to match themselves in Bowmanship 

* E'en with the Deathless ones : great Eurytos 
' Died all on sudden therefore, and reached not 
' Old age at home ; for him Apollo slew 

' In wrathj because he challenged Ilim in archery. 
' With spear too I hurl as far, as shall none other 
' Shoot with an arrow : I fear in foot-race only 
230 ' Some one of you Phseacians might outstrip me. 
' For tamed I've been in sad unseemly sort 
' Midst many a wave ; e'er since no store sufficient 
' Was there on board ship : wherefore my dear limbs 

* Are sore unstrung." He spake : whereat in still 
Silence remained they all ; at length Alcinoos 

235 Alone thus answered him : '^ Now since, Stranger, 
' Thou speak'st thus not unpleasantly among us, 
' But, wroth because this man in full assembly 
' Came and reviled thee, thou wouldst shew thy prowess, 
' The prowess that attends thee, that henceforth 
' Not e'er a man might think to scorn thy prowess, 

240 ' None who at heart has knowledge how to speak 
' To wholesome purpose : come howe'er, heed now 
' This word of mine ; that when in thine own home 

* Thou art haply feasting with thy wife and children, 
' Thou may'st recal to mind Our prowess also, 



BOOK Q. 159 

' And tell thereof to other among your lords, — 
245 ' What manner of occupations Jove awards 

' To Us, e'en from our fathers' times throughout. 
' Not faultless boxers are we, neither wrestlers, 
' But rapidly a-foot we run a race, 
' And are the best for ships : and here we 'have ever 

* The jocund feast, and harp, and song with dance, 

' Garments for thorough change, warm baths, and beds. 
250 ' But come now, all ye best Phseacian dancers, 
' Dance ye a round : that when at home again 
' Our guest may tell his friends, how much we excel 

* Others in speed a-foot, in song and dance, 

* And sailo'ring : go one also quickly and fetch 
' Demodocus his brisk-toned harp, which lies 

255 * Somewhere within our halls." So spake the king, 
Godlike Alcinoos : then arose the herald 
To fetch the merry harp from out the palace. 
Anon upstood then umpires, nine in all. 
Of public choice, whose business 't was to arrange 
All matters in the assemblies : and they smoothed 

260 The dancers' ring, and cleared a fair wdde floor. 
The herald now drew near, and brought the harp 
Unto Demodocus ; who moved forthwith 
Into the midst : and lads in the prime of youth 
Skilled in the dancers' art stood round about him. 
And there in wondrous round they footed it ; 
While at the twinkling flashes of their feet 

265 Odusseus gazed and marvelled in his spirit. 
The Bard meanwhile, preluding on his harp, 
Lifted his comely voice to sing a lay 
Of Ares, and of the fair-zoned Aphrodite, 
Their love ; and how by stealth they came together 



160 THE ODYSSEY. VIII. 

First in Hephaistos' halls : how many a token 
He gave her ; and defiled the marriage-bed 

270 Of king Hephaistos : how the Sun-god, Helios, 

Who espied their amorous intercourse, went straight 
To the Fire-king with the tidings. How Hephaistos 
Soon as he 'had heard the heart-distressing tale, 
Brooding o'er mischief in his inmost soul, 
Forthwith to the smithy went his way, and laid 
His mighty anvil upon the anvil-block, 

275 And forged bonds, to be neither loosed nor broken, 
Such as might stay, firm fixed with steadfast hold. 
Soon as he 'had wrought the snare, his way he went. 
All wroth with Ares, into his marriage-chamber 
Where stood his pleasant bed ; and round the posts 
Ever}^ where strewed he shackles all in a circle ; 
Outspread above too were they from t]ie beam 

280 Full frequent, fine as cobweb-threads ; yea such 
As no one sure, not e'en of the happy gods. 
Might think to see, so subtly were they wrought. 
Now when he 'had spread all the net about his couch, 
He made a show of going to the fair-built Town 
Of Lemnos, land most dear to him by far 
Beyond all lands. Meanwhile, no blind-fold watch 

285 Kept golden-harnessed Ares, when he saw 

Hephaistos, the famed artist, going from home. 
Straight to the palace of renowned Hephaistos 
Then came he his way, all longing for the love 
Of fair-zoned Cythereia. And She, just come 
From forth the presence of her mighty sire 
Zeus Chronides, was sitting down in the palace ; 

290 When in came He, and straightway clasped her hand, 
And spake the word and gave it utterance loud : 



BOOK 0. 161 

" This way, Beloved ! for bedward turn we at once ! 
^ For in the land no longer is Hephaistos, 
' But somewhere on his way, I ween, already 
^ For Lemnos, to his wild-tongued Sintian friends." 

295 He spake : and unto Her the bedding seemed 
Eight welcome, Then together to the bed 
They went and laid them down : and down about them 
Pouring came shrewd Hephaistos' cunning meshes; 
And left no room to move or uplift a limb. 
Then, Then became they aware how that escaping 
None was there now. Soon slily turning back, 

300 Before e'er going unto the land of Lemnos, 

The far-famed Halt-foot came and now drew near them ; 
For for him Helios from on high kept watch 
And told the tale. So home he came his way, 
Distressed at very heart ; and there in the porch 
He stopped, and savage wrath took hold upon him : 
Frightfully then he shouted, and bawled out 

305 To all the gods : *' Hither now, father Zeus, 
' And all you overliving happy gods ! 
' See here some handiwork not to be laughed at, 
' Fast work that yields not ! how slightingly 
' Jove's daughter Aphrodite treats me ever, 
' For my being lame ; and loves that baneful Ares, 

310 ' For that he 'is comely and sound of foot : while I, 
' I'm from my birth a cripple : none howe'er 
' Have I to blame for this, but my two parents, 

* Who never ought to have bred me. But here, see, 

' Where these, these two have climbed upon my bed, 

* And fondling sleep together ! and I, the while 

' Am sore distressed at the sight. Not that I think 
315 ' They'll be for lying in This way any more, 

11 



162 THE ODYSSEY. YIII. 

' For e'er so short a while, fond howsoever : 

* They'll both soon have no wish to sleep together: 

' But in close hold my fetter and trap shall keep them, 

* Until her sire shall give me back again 
' The espousal gifts, aye, every one I put 

* Into his hands, for sake of Her to wife, 

320 ' A dog-eyed wench : for that though fair his daughter, 

* Yet is she indeed not under self-controul." 

He spake : and straightway unto his brass-floored palace 
The gods assembled : thither came Poseidon 
Encompasser of the Earth : came also Hermes 
The Lucky Helper : came too the Archer-king 
Long-shot Apollo. But stayed all at home 

325 Through bashfulness the gentler goddesses. 

Now stood the gods, dispensers of good things, 

In the entrance porch ; and soon as e'er they looked 

On shrewd Hephaistos' deftly-wrought devices 

There burst forth laughter inextinguishable 

Among the happy gods. Anon spake thus 

Some one amongst them, eyeing his nearest mates : 

330 " Wrong pains, no gains : the slow o'ertakes the swift : 

* As now e'en here, Hephaistos, all so slow, 

* Halt as he is, has caught by deft devices 
' Ares far swiftest of the gods who dwell 

' On lofty Olympus : wherefore, caught in the fact, 
' He owes the adulterer's forfeit."— In such talk 
Conversed they each with other. Anon to Hermes, 
335 Spake king Apollo, son of Zeus : " Hermes, 
' Giver of boons. Conductor, Son of Zeus ! 
' Wouldst wish to be so fast, pressed in strong fetters, 
' And lie a-bed with golden Aphrodite ?" 
Straight answered him the Argus-killer Guide : 



BOOK 0. 163 

*' Aye ! and 'would 't were so, — long-shot king Apollo ! 
340 ' Bonds thrice as manifold, whence no escape, 
' Might compass me about : and you, ye gods, 
' Might all look on, and all ye goddesses, 

* But sleep would I with golden Aphrodite !" 
He spake : and 'mongst the deathless gods again 
Laughter burst forth. No hold howe'er did laughter 
Keep on Poseidon ; but unceasingly 

345 He kept entreating the famed smith Hephaistos 
To release Ares ; and in winged words 
He thus accosted him and said : " Release him : 
' And I, I undertake that he shall pay thee 
' (As Thou so bidst) all right and lawful quittance 
' In presence of the deathless gods." Whereat 
Then answered him the far-famed Halt-foot ; '^ No ! 

350 ' Urge me not thus, Earth-Compasser, Poseidon ! 

* To pledge oneself for rogues thou It find, i' faith, 
' But poor security !^' How, how should / 

* Think to bind Thee before the deathless gods, 

* Should Ares make escape from debt and bond, 

' And go away ?" Then answered him Poseidon, 
355 Shaker of the Earth ; ^' Refuse me not, Hephaistos, 
' For e'en should Ares flee and avoid his debt, 
'And get away, — I '11 pay it thee myself." 
Whereat the far-famed Halt-foot answered him : 
'' To Thy pledged w^ord I cannot give refusal, 

* Nor is it right." — So saying, his mightiness 
Hephaistos freed them out of bonds. And both, 

360 When they were loosed from out of bond, so strong, 
Sprang up forthwith ; and off strode He to Thrace, 
And She, — the laughter-loving Aphrodite, 

* See Proverbs yi. 1 ; and xi, 15. 



164 THE ODYSSEY. VIII. 

Tripped forth lier way for Cyprus, unto Paphos ; 
For tliere a sacred grove has she and an altar 
Smoking with incense. There the Graces washed 
And 'nointed her with oil, with oils ambrosial 

365 Such as are used on the ever- living gods ; 

And raiment all delightsome put they upon her, 
Wondrous to look at. — So the far-famed Minstrel 
Sang forth his minstrelsy : and at the hearing 
Eight merry was Odusseus in his heart, 
As also were the rest, all the Phseacians, 
Those long-oar-using men so famed in ships. 

370 Anon Alcinoos bade Laodamas 

And Halios dance together by themselves, 

Since none e'er vied with Them. So when they 'had taken 

Into their hands a beauteous purple ball 

Which skilful Polybus for them had made, — 

One, bending back, kept hurling it upright 

Towards the shadowy clouds ; and the other, rising 

375 On high from off the ground, with ease as oft 

Kept catching, ere with foot he touched the earth. 
Then, after such essay of the up-thrown ball. 
With tricksy frequent change of answering steps 
They danced together upon the bosky earth ; 
While the other lads stood gathered round in ring 
And shouted loud applause ; and gradually 

380 From stamping feet there rose a din wide-spread. 
Whereat to Alcinoos now spake prince Odusseus : 
" My lord Alcinoos, pride of all thy people ! 

* Thou didst, i' faith, hold out thy dancers here 
' To be the best ; and sure, i' faith, so it is : 

* Amazement holds me while I look upon them." 
385 He said : whereat his sacred mightiness 



BOOK 0. 165 

Alcinoos was right glad ; and spake forthwitli 

To the Phgeacians, whose delight was oars : 

" List ! ye Phseacian dukes and guardian princes ! 

' Of a right prudent spirit sure seems to me 

' Our stranger-guest. But come now, let ns give him 

'A guest-pledge, — as is meet: — throughout our land 

390 * Are twelve most noble lords of princely rank ; 
'And thirteenth, I myself: whereof then each, — 
' Fetch him forthwith a fair-washed mantle and coat, 
' And a full talent's weight of costly gold ; 
' And quick let us bring them all, we all together : 

395 ' That having them in hand, our guest may come 
' Joyful in heart to supper. And by words, 

* And by a gift, Euryalos must make him 

' Atonement ; since he spake not mannerly." 
He said : whereat they all approved, and urged : 
And each sent forth a page to fetch his gifts. 
400 Then spake Euryalos and answered him : 

*' My lord Alcinoos ! Pride of all thy people ! 

* Yea I, I '11 make atonement with our guest, 

* As Thou so bidst : I '11 give him This, this hanger 
' All-brazen ; the hilt whereof is made of silver ; 

' And fitted close about it is the scabbard 
405 ' Of fresh-sawn ivory ;— and 't will prove much worth to 
him." 

So saying he put the silver-studded sword 

Into his hands, and thus accosting him 

Spake winged words : "All Health ! father guest ! 

' And whate'er word has foolishly been spoken, 

' At once let whirlwinds hurry and bear 't away ! 
410 * And may the gods grant thee to see thy wife, 

' And reach thy fatherland ; since now long time 



166 THE ODYSSEY. VIII. 

' Aloof from friends thou 'rt suffering sore distress." 
Then answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 
''Also to Thee, my friend, All hearty Health ! 
And may the g'ods grant thee prosperity ! 
' And may'st thou never have regret hereafter 

415 ' For This at least, this sword, thou 'hast given me here 
' With reconciling words." He spake ; and girt 
The silver-studded sword with belt on shoulder. 
'T was sunset, when the splendid gifts arrived : 
And the gallant pages brought them into the palace : 
Whereat the sons of blemishless Alcinoos 
Eeceived and laid the gifts, all passing comely, 

420 Beside their tender mother. And the king, 
His sacred mightiness Alcinoos, led them ; 
Then went they and sat upon their stately chairs. 
Anon spake thus his mightiness Alcinoos 
Unto Arete : ''0 woman, fetch now hither 
' A brilliant coffer, e'en the best we have, 

42o ' And put therein a fair-washed mantle and coat. 

* And have a caldron heated on the fire, 

' And warm ye water : that our guest may bathe him, 
' And see, ranged all in order fair, these gifts 

* The blemishless Phseacians hither have brought him ; 
'And so may enjoy both the banquet and the hearing 

' The song of minstrelsy. And I, I'll give him 
430 'This embossed golden cup of mine, right beauteous, 
' That all his days he may remember me, 
' And pour therefrom libations in his hall 
' To Zeus and to all the gods." He spake, whereat 
Arete bade her handmaids with all haste 
Set a large three-legged caldron into the fire. 
435 Then into the blazing fire they set the tripod 



BOOK &. 167 

For bath-supply : wliereinto poured they water, 
And brought and kindled billet-wood beneath it. 
Eound went the fire about the tripod's belly ; 
And hot became the water. From the storeroom 
Arete brought meanwhile for the guest a coffer 
Surpassing beauteous, and thereinto laid 

440 The comely gifts, — the raiment and the gold 
All the Phseacians gave him. Into it also 
A mantle and goodly coat she put, and thus 
Accosted him and spake in winged words : 
*' See now thyself this lid, and throw soon o'er it 
* A bond ; that no one rob thee by the way 
' During thy passage in the dusky ship, 

445 * When haply resting art thou in gentle slumber." 
Now when the much-enduring prince Odusseus 
Heard this, — at once he fitted on the lid 
And quickly about it laid a bond with fold 
Curious, which erst had the lady Circe taught him. 
Straightway the stewardess now bade him go 
Into the bathing-tub and bathe himself : 

450 Whereat the warm bath eyed he gladly at heart ; 
For never a whit indeed was he in the wont 
Of being so cared for, since he 'had left the abode 
Of the comely- tressed Calypso : There forsooth, 
As were he a god, such tendance had he ever. 
Now when the attendant women slaves had washed 
And 'nointed him with oil, and cast about him 

455 A goodly mantle and coat, forthwith he stepped 
From forth the bathing-tub and went his way 
To join the chieftains at their cups of wine : 
Just then, bedecked with beauty from the gods 
Stood there Nausicaa by the lofty pillar 



168 THE ODYSSEY. YIII. 

Of the vaulted roof; and when before her eyes 

She espied Odusseus, wondering gazed she upon him, 

460 And unto him spake in winged words and said : 
'* Farewell, guest ! and in thy fatherland 
' Sometime remember me ; how that thou owest 
' Unto me first the reward for rescued life !" 
Straight answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
"Nausicaa! daughter of mighty-souled Alcinoos! 
' E'en so may Here's lord, loud-thundering Zeus, 

465 ' Vouchsafe me now to reach my home, and see 

* The day of my return ; then indeed there 
' To Thee, as unto a god, I'll pay my vows 

' E'en all my lifelong days ; for Thou, maiden, 
"Twas Thou, who quickenedst me to life again." 
He spake ; then went and sat upon the chair 
By the king Alcinoos. Portioning the messes 

470 Were they already, and mingling wine. The herald 
Anon drew near, leading Dernodocus 
The welcome Bard, honoured of all the people ; 
And seated him, his back to the lofty pillar. 
In the midst before the guests. Then to the herald 
Outspake Odusseus ever-ready, cutting 
A slice from oif the chine ; and plenty yet 

475 Was left of the white-tusked boar, and the rich fat 
Was round about it : ^' Herald ! take now this, 

* This meat-slice unto the Bard Demodocus, 

* And set it him for eating; and I'll give, 

' Howe'er distressed, to Him my hearty greeting. 
' For amongst all folk on the face of Earth 
' Full share have Bards of reverence and esteem, 
480 * For that the Muse has taught Them strains of Song, 

* And loves the race of Bards." He spake : and the herald 



BOOK 0. 169 

Handed the mess to the lord Demodocus ; 

And He received it, and rejoiced in heart. 

Now on the viands ready laid before them 

The guests put forth their hands. Soon as, at length, 

They had put away desire for meat and drink, 

485 Thus then outspake Odusseus ever-ready 
To the Bard Demodocus : *' Demodocus ! 
' Of Thee past all mankind do I speak in praise : 
' Thee either has the Muse, Jove's daughter, taught ; 
' Or sure has taught thee Apollo : for thou sing'st 
' Right aptly indeed the Achaians' ruinous fate ; 
' What mighty deeds they did and how they suffered, 

490 ' And what great toils the Achaians hardly endured, 

* As hadst thyself been present, or hadst heard 

* From some eye-witness. But now, change thy lay, 
'And sing the fashion of the " Wooden Horse," 

' The which by Athene's help Epeius builded, 
' That Bait, whereof into the Citadel 
'The prince Odusseus erst had charge, and filled it 
495 ' With chieftains, who clean sacked the Town of Ilion. 

* If now the Tale of this canst fitly tell me, 

' Then read'ily say will I afore all the world, 
' How that to Thee the willing god has granted 
' A marvellous power of song." He spake : whereat, 
Stirred by the god, the Minstrel straight began. 
And made his song ring clear, attacking it 
500 Just where it told of the Argive host, how some, 

After they 'had fired their camp-huts, went on board 
Their tight-built ships and sailed away ; how the others. 
With far-renowned Odusseus for their chief, 
Hidden within the Horse, were sitting quiet 
Already now in the Trojans' Place of session. 



170 THE ODYSSEY. YIII. 

For into tbe Citadel the Trojan folk 

505 Themselves had hauled it. So now there it stood ; 
And They, they sat around it and 'gan talking 
Much all disorderly : and a several plan, 
Three ways, there pleased them ; or with ruthless axe 
To smite the hollow frame at once asunder ; 
Or forth to drag it to the top of the rock 
And hurl it down-cliff; or to let it be, 

510 As a great pleasing gift to soothe the gods, — 

E'en just whereby was 't then to be accomplished : 
For 't was their Destiny they should be ruined, 
So soon as e'er their Town received within it 
The mighty Wooden Horse ; wherein were sitting 
All the best Argives, carrying violent doom 
And slaughter upon the Trojans. And he sang, 

515 How from the Horse the Achaians' sons poured forth. 
And sallied out and left their hollow ambush. 
And throughly sacked the City. Also he sang. 
How here, how there they utterly laid low 
The lofty Town : how too Odusseus went, 
Like Ares, with the godlike Menelaus 
Unto the palace of Deiphobus :^ 

520 Told too, how there he faced the dreadest fight. 

And won thenceforth the mastery, through the help 
Of mighty-souled Athene. — Such forsooth. 
Such was the far-famed Minstrel's minstrelsy : 
Whereat Odusseus melted : and the tear 
Stole from his eyelids and bedewed his cheeks. 
E'en as a woman weeps and flings herself 

525 Round her dear husband when he 'has fallen in fight, 
Before his Town and folk, in warding off 

* Compare iy. 276, etc. 



BOOK 0. 171 

The ruthless day from his children and his City ; 
She looks upon the gasping, dying man, 
And clasps him in her arms and wails aloud ; 
But from behind, the foemen with their spears 
Smiting her hack and shoulders lead her off 

o30 To bondage, and to endure both toil and sorrow ; 
And waning are her cheeks by grief most piteous ; 
So did Odusseus from beneath his brows 
Let fall a piteous tear. He escaped indeed, 
In shedding tears, the notice of all there. 
Save that alone Alcinoos, who sat next him, 
Observed and noted him, and heard how heavily 

o3o He sobbed again : whereat he spake on a sudden 
To the Phseacian long-oar-loving lords : 
'' List ye, Phseacian dukes and guardian princes, 
' And let Demodocus now stop at once 

* His clear-toned harp : for not in any wise 

* Agreeably sings he thus to All. Our guest, 

' E'er since we supped and the sacred Bard began, 
540 ' Has never ceased the while from tearful wailing : 
' Painsome distress, I ween, surrounds his heart. 
' Come, let the Bard forbear ; that we may all, 

* Both hosts and guest, alike enjoy ourselves ; 

* Since thus 'tis far more comely. For prepared 
^ In honour of our reverend guest is all, 

54o 'AH this, our escort, and these friendly gifts, 

' We 'have given him with a welcome kind and hearty. 

' And to the man, who at heart has a touch of feeling 

' However little, —a suppliant guest and stranger 

' Is in the place of a brother. Wherefore now 

' Conceal not Thou with wily purposes 

' Aught I shall ask thee :— and in thee 't is comelier 



172 



THE ODYSSEY. VIII, 



550 



555 



560 



565 



570 



At once to tell. Say then the name, whereby 
Thy mother, father, and thy townsmen yonder, 
And neighbours all about were wont to call thee. 
For never a one forsooth of all mankind, 
Soon as he 'is born, whether he 'is mean or noble. 
Is without name : but a name they give unto all, 
Whene'er their parents give them birth. And tell me 
What are thy countrymen, thy land, and Town : 
So that our ships, aiming with ready mind. 
May speed thee thither : for with us Phseacians 
No helmsmen have we, neither any helms, 
As other ships all have : but of themselves 
Our galleys know the thoughts and hearts of men ; 
And have a knowledge of the goodly lands 
And Towns of all men ; and with passing swiftness 
They throughly cleave, hid in a misty cloud, 
The vasty depth of the sea : nor have they fear 
Ever of any manner of harm or wreck. 
Yet heard have I my sire Nausilhoos tell 
This, — long ago,— for oft used he to say, 
How that in wrath Poseidon looked on Us 
Because we give safe escort unto all. 
He said, how in the hazy deep Poseidon 
Would wreck sometime a good Phseacian ship 
Keturning after escort, and would heave 
A mighty mountain up to enshroud our Town.* 
Such was the old man's talk ; and sure the god 
May accomplish this ; or may it not be accomplished, 
E 'en as at heart it pleases him. But come. 
Now tell me this, and give me a true account ; 
Whither away hast wandered from thy course, 
* See B. xiii. 170, etc. 



BOOK e, 173 

* And to what countries in the world hast gone : 

' And tell me about their pleasant Towns, and people ; 
575 ' Which too are rude and wild and all nnmannered ; 

* And which are hospitable and have a heart 

* That fears the gods. And say why weepest thus, 
' And art so sorrowing in thy spirit, at hearing 

* The 'ill Fate of Argives, Danaans, and of Ilion. 

' The gods howe'er brought T/iat about ; (and spun 
' Have they the thread of mankind's destinies ;) 
580 ^ To be a So72^ for folk e'en yet unborn. 

' Has there then perished on the field of Ilion 
' One e'en of kin to Thee by blood or marriage, 

* A gallant son-in-law, or father-in-law, 

' Such as, next after own descent and blood, 
' Are loved most chiefly ? Or haply has there perished 
' Some brave good friend that knew to win thy love ? 
585 ' For sure nought less than Brother's worth we find 

* In Him, who, being a Friend,* has a prudent mind." 

* See Proverbs xviii. 24. 



174 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 



ARGUMENT OF THE NINTH BOOK. I, 

Odusseus begins his narrative : he relates to Alcinoos how after leaving Troy 
he came to the Ciconians, whose town he sacked: how thence to the 
Lotos-eaters : thence to the Cyclops, Polypheraos, who devoured six of 
his companions ; how he took revenge on the monster and put out his eye. 

IOTA Bings the Cyclops, PolypMmos, 



To whom Odusseus ever-ready answered : 
^ Mig'lity Alcinoos ! pride of all tlij people ! 
^ Comely indeed it is to hear a bard, 

* Such bard as this, whose voice is as the gods'. 
' For I, I think a more agreeable end 

5 ' There is not, than when joy fulness of heart 

* Possesses all the people, and when guests 

* Orderly seated in their prince's halls 

' Enjoy the feast and listen to the bard ; 

^ While set before them are the tables, laden 

* With meats and cates ; and from the mixing-bowl 
10 ^ Cup-bearers draw out wine and bear it round 

^ And fill the cups : to my mind this appears 
' A something most delightful. But— a wish 

* Thou hadst to ask of my sad griefs, — a tale 
^ To me for yet still further sorrow at heart. 

* What first then shall I tell, what next, what last ? 
15 ' So many woes the heavenly gods have given me ! 



BOOK I. 175 

But first my Name, that also You may know, 

Will I declare ; and unto you henceforth. 

After my 'scaping- from the day of misery, 

Bound may I be by the ties of host and guest. 

Far howsoe'er aloof my home of dwelling. 

Odiisseits Laertiades am I, 

Known for all manner of wiles, well-known 'mongst men 

And unto heaven up-reaches m}^ renown. 

My dwelling is in sunny Ithaca, 

Where rises clear with woods of quivering leaves 

Mount Neritos ; and many isles lie round 

Full close together,— Samos and Dulichium 

And forest- crowned Zacynthus. Towards the West, 

With peaks o'ertopping all, lies in the sea 

My low-delled Ithaca, while to the East 

And mid-day Sun lie the others all aloof: 

'Tis rugged, but a kindly nursing-mother ; 

And nothing sweeter, to my sight at least, 

Can I behold than mine own fatherland. 

From it indeed, the fair of goddesses 

Calypso kept me in her hollow caves 

Longing for me to be her lord. So too. 

At Her abode the wily ^sean Circe 

Longing for me to be her lord detained me. 

Yet never did they win the heart within me : 

nought more sweet than fatherland and parents 

Is there to any one abroad, though dwelling 

In e'er so rich a house in foreign land 

And far away from parents. But, an't please thee, 

I'll tell now e'en this grievous course of mine 

That Zeus has given me homeward bound from Troy. 

From Ilion was I taken by the wind 



176 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 

' To the Ciconians' shore, to Ismaros ; 
40 ' And there I sacked the town and slew their men : 
' Their wives and many a treasure from, the town 

* We took and shared among ns equally, 

' That with me none should go without his portion. 
' Sure then urged I to quit with nimble speed ; 
' But they, the senseless fools, obeyed me not : 
45 * Then was there drunk much wine ; and many a flock 
'And many a slnggish-footed twist -horned ox 
' They slaughtered on the beach. Meanwhile for help 
' Went the Ciconians shouting to their friends, 
^ Neighbour Ciconians, dwelling inland, stronger 
' In prowess and in number, and well-skilled 

* Whether from chariot, or if need should be 
50 ' On foot, in doing battle with bold foemen. 

' At early morn then came they, yea, as numerous 
' As leaves and flowers in spring-tide : then indeed 
' Came upon us, ill-fated that we were, 
' Jove's hard decree, and many a woe w^e suffered. 
' Near our swift ships they stood and fought the fight ; 
6^ ' And each at other aimed with brazen spears. 

' While 'twas yet morn, and holy day was waxing, 
' So long we stood our ground and kept them off" 
' Although outnumbering us ; but when the Sun 

* Was passing over towards the unyoking time 
' Of oxen, then did the Ciconians beat 

' And rout the Achaians. Six from every ship 
60 ' There perished of my booted friends : from death 
' And fatal doom the rest of us all 'scaped. 

* Thence sailed we onwards, sorely sad at heart 
' At losing our dear comrades, and yet glad 

* That we had 'scaped from death. But on their course 



BOOK I. 177 

' My rolling ships advanced not, till three times 
65 * We severally had called each luckless comrade 

'Who 'had fall'n, cut down by the Ciconians' sword, 

* And perished on the plain. Soon 'gainst our ships 
' Cloud-gatherer Zeus uproused a North-East wind 

* With awful tempest, and with gloomy clouds 
' Covered in one confusion land and sea ; 

' And night rushed down from heaven. Then were our ships 

70 ' Pitched headlong : into three, into four parts 
' The wind's force rent the sails : in fear of death 
' We stowed them down below, and drove our ships 
' All hurriedly ashore. There lay we quiet 
' For two whole nights and two whole days together 
' Unceasingly, and gnawed our hearts the while 

75 ' Through both fatigue and grief: but when at length 
' The fair-tressed Eos brought the third day's light, 
' We raised our masts, and hoisted the white sails 
' And sat at ease ; when both the wind and helmsmen 
' Kept straight our course. And scatheless sure I 'had 

reached 
' My fatherland, but that, in doubling Malea, 

80 ' The swell and tide and Boreas baffled me 

' And drove me out of course by the isle Cythera. 
' Thence by foul winds for nine days was I borne 
' Upon the fishy deep ; and on the tenth 
' We landed on the coast of the Lotos-eaters, 
' A race whose diet is of fruity meat. 

85 ' There then we went ashore and took in water ; 
' And by the ships my crews took hasty dinner : 
' Soon as we 'had had a taste of meat and drink, 
' From out my comrades two bold men, and with them 
' A third as herald pursuivant, I chose 

12 



178 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 

'And sent them forth to go and make enquiry 
' What manner of people might they be in the land. 
90 ' Forthwith they went, and with the Lotos-eaters 
' Soon fell they in : nor did the Lotos-eaters 
' Think to do harm against my comrades' lives, 
' But gave them of the lotos-fruit to taste. 
' And whoso of them ate the lotos-fruit 

* So honey-sweet, no longer had a wish 

95 ' To return home, or bring back any tidings : 
' But willing were they there to bide, and crop 
'The lotos-fruit, among the Lotos-eaters, 
' And to give up all thought of home-return. 
' Perforce I brought them weeping to the fleet, 
' And having hauled them down the galleys' holds 
' I bound them, 'neath the transoms : and anon 

100 * The rest I ordered of my trusty comrades 

' To make all haste on board the nimble ships, 

' Lest some one else should haply taste the lotos 

'And give up thought of home. They embarked at once, 

' And ranged in order, seated on the thwarts 

' With measured oars they smote the surfy sea, 

105 ' Thence onwards kept we sailing, sad at heart : 

' And reached the land of the Cyclops ; huge of stature 
' And ignorant of all fixed laws are they ; 

* And fully trusting in the deathless gods 
' They never take in hand to plant a tree 

' Or plough their land : but without seed or tillage 
' Grow freely all such plants as these, — wheat, barley, 
110 ' And fruitful vines that yield abundantly 

' Wine from their heavy grapes, and showers from Zeus 
' Give them large increase. No established laws 
' Nor state-assemblies have they ; but they dwell 



BOOK I. 179 

' In hollow caves among higli mountain-peaks : 

* And each to 'his wives and children lays down law 
115 ' Of his own will : nor care they one for other. 

* Outside the harbour of the Cyclops' land 

' Lies stretched, not very near, nor yet far off, 
' A narrow woody isle ; wherein are bred 
' Wild goats innumerable ; for no footing 
' Or path of men restrains them ; nor with dogs 
120 * Do hunters ever enter it to endure 

' Toil through the woods or o'er the mountain-tops 

* In chase of game : nor is it occupied 

' By flocks of sheep or crops of husbandry ; 

* But all untilled, unseeded is it ever, 

' And destitute of men ; but gives free pasture 
' To bleating goats. For the Cyclopean race 
125 ' Possessed no red-prowed ships ; nor were there 'mongst 
them 

* Shipwrights to work at building well-benched ships, 
' To ply their course to towns of foreigners, 

' As is the wont of men e'en many a time 

* To cross the sea in ships for mutual traffic ; 

' As else they sure had toiled upon the island 
130 ' And made thereof a pleasant dwelling place, 
' For nowise is 'it unkindly, but would yield 
' Fruits all in season : there along the banks 

* Of the surfy sea, are meadows, soft and moist : 

* Vines there would surely never fail or languish : 
' Ploughing were easy there ; and right tall corn 
' Might reapers gather there unfailingly 

135 * In its due season ; for that soil beneath 
' Is very fatness. In it is also a creek 
' With goodly moorages, that no need is there 



180 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 

Of any cable, or to cast fortli anchors, 
Or from the stern to fasten ropes ; but shipmen 
Who run ashore may there abide their time, 
Till heart may bid them sail, and fair winds blow. 

140 'At the creek's head there flows a limpid stream 
Of water welling from a cave : black poplars 
Grow round about. Thither we sailed ashore ; 
And sure some god was our conductor thither 
Amid the gloomy night : no shining forth 
Was there of light for seeing ; for by the ships 

145 ' 'T was a thick haze ; nor did the moon shew forth 
Her light from heaven, but was o'ercast by clouds. 
Thus with sharp eyes had no one spied the island ; 
Nor did we see the long waves rolling landward, 
Before our trimbuilt ships had run ashore. 
Our ships thus in, we hauled down all the sails 

150 ' And landed on the sea-beach, where we slept 
Right soundly, and awaited sacred Eos. 
And when appeared the rosy-fingered Eos 
Sprung from the womb of Dawn, we roamed about 
Viewing the isle with wonder. And the Nymphs, 
Daughters of ^gis-bearing Zeus, roused forth 

155 ' The mountain-goats, to give my crews their dinner. 
Quick, from the ships we took our crooked bows 
And long-grooved hunting-spears : anon we formed us 
Into three parties and soon killed some game, 
And the god gave us bountiful supply. 
Of the twelve ships that followed me, to each 

160 ' Nine goats were portioned : for myself alone 
Ten I selected. Thus the whole day long 
Till sundown sat we feasting past all tale 
On fleshmeat, and our pleasant wine we quaffed : 



BOOK I. 181 

' For from the ships not yet was all exhausted 
' Our ruddy wine, but store remained e'en yet : 
' For plenty drew we into twin-eared jars 

165 ' What time we took the Cicons' sacred Town. 
' Now as we looked towards the Cyclops' land, 
' So near they were, we saw their smoke and heard 
' Their voice, and bleating of their sheep and goats. 
' When sun went down and shadowy night came on, 
' There on the sea-beach lay we down and slept. 

170 ' And when forth peeped the rosy-fingered Eos, 
' Child of the Dawn, I called my crews together 
' In full assembly and thus addressed them all : 
" Bide here, my trusty friends, ye other crews ; 
" While, with m}^ own ship, I, and own ship's company, 
" Will forth and prove what manner of men those be : 

175 "Whether they 'are wild, unmannerly, and violent ; 
'' Or whether hospitable, and at heart 
" Disposed to fear the gods." So saying, on board 
' Straightway I went and bade my comrades also 
' To come on board and loose the mooring cables. 
'Anon they embarked, and on the thwarts sat down ; 

180 ' And sitting, ranged in order, with their oars 

' They smote the surfy sea. But when at length 
' We reached that land hard by, there we espied 
' On the sequestered shore, and near the sea, 
' A lofty cave, all overhung by laurels ; 
'Where many a flock was wont to rest at night, 
' Both sheep and goats. A fold-yard, high, around 

185 ' Was built with stones embedded and tall pines 
' And lofty-branching oaks. A man dwells there 

Of bulk prodigious, who, aloof and lone, 
' Used there to tend his flocks : no intercourse 



182 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 



190 



195 



200 



205 



210 



Held lie with others, but he lived apart, 

Versed in iniquity. And sure he was 

Wondrous of bulk, prodigious ; neither seemed he 

Like a bread-eating man forsooth, but a peak. 

Woody, that upmost of some lofty mountains 

Shows itself out alone from other peaks. 

The rest then bade I of my trusty comrades 

To stay there by the ship, and guard the ship : 

While twelve, the boldest of my crew, chose I 

And went : a goatskin of dark wine and pleasant 

With us I took,— a gift to me from Maro 

Evantheus' son, priest of Apollo Phoebus 

The guardian god of Ismaros : for we 

Through pious awe had spared and guarded him 

Together with his child and wife ; who dwelt 

Within Apollo's consecrated grove : 

And splendid gifts he brought me : of fine-wrought gold 

Seven talents' weight he gave me ; gave me also 

A mixing-bowl, all silver ; and besides, 

Wine into twin-eared vessels, twelve in all. 

He drew, delicious wine, pure, marvellous drink : 

The which knew no one of his household women 

Or serfs ; nor any but himself and wife 

And stewardess alone. And whensoe'er 

They thought to drink That honey-smooth red wine, 

For every single goblet that he filled. 

Of water twenty measures poured he in. 

To one of wine : and from the mixing-bowl 

A fragrance, sweet, ineffable, breathed forth : 

Then, from the taste thereof to be debarred 

Were not agreeable. A large skin I filled 

Herewith and took ; and in a leathern pouch 



BOOK I. 183 

Food for our journey : for my gallant heart 

At once had presage there was like to meet us 

Some rude man, clad in mightj^- strength, and wild. 

All ignorant of manners and of justice. 

With rapid steps soon came we to the cavern, 

But found not him within : for his fat flocks 

At pasture was he tending. Thus the cavern 

We entered, and on every thing gazed wond'ring : 

With cheeses laden full were wicker crates : 

Pens were there closely thronged with lambs and kids, 

Shut up in separate folds : the earlier-born 

Apart ; apart the next-born, and apart 

The fresh-dropt also : swimming full with whey 

Were all the dairy-vessels, pans and pails 

Wherein he used to milk. Anon my comrades 

With urgent words then prayed me they might take 

Some of the cheeses and return forthwith ; 

And then with hasty speed that we should drive 

Both kids and lambs from out their pens to the ship, 

And o'er the briny water make all sail. 

But I complied not (yet i' faith more gain, 

By far, 't were so to have done) ; till 1 should see him. 

And hospitality he 'would haply give me. 

But to my comrades he was like to prove 

No very lovely sight ! Then lit we there 

A fire and burnt an offering ; and to cheese 

We helped ourselves and ate ; and sitting down 

We awaited him within, until from pasture 

He returned home, bearing a mighty load 

Of fire-wood, dry, to dress his evening meal. 

Down at the outside of his den he threw it 

With crash terrific ; and alarmed thereat 



184 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 

Away we scud to the cavern's inmost noo"k. 
Into his roomy cave anon he drove 
His fat flocks, every one he used to milk ; 
' But all the males he left, both rams and he-goats 
^ Outside, beyond the lofty court-yard walls. 

240 * Then lifting up a bulky stone and ponderous 
He set it 'gainst the entrance : not that stone 
* Had two and twenty right good four-wheeled waggons 
' Moved from the ground : so huge, un-climbable 
' The rock he laid to his gate-way. Then he sat 
'And milked his bleating she- goats and the ewes, 

245 ' All in right order, and her new-born young 
' Put underneath each dam. Anon he curdled 
' Of the white milk one half, and gathered it 
' And laid it by in plaited wicker baskets : 
' And the other half he stored in bowls for drinking 
' Whene'er he chose, and for his evening meal. 

250 'When carefully had he finished all this business, 
' Kindling his fire he looked at us and asked : 
" Ho ! strangers ! who are ye ? whence sail ye hither 
*' O'er watery ways ? for trade of any sort ? 
^' Or are ye roving o'er the sea at random 
" In the manner of pirates that are wont to roam 

255 " At peril of their lives, bearers of mischief 

" To foreigners ?" He spake ; whereat within us 

' Our very hearts were crushed, so scared we were 

' At his deep voice, and Him so mountain-like. 

' Nathless I answered him and said : *' From Troy 

" We 'are come, Achaians home-bound, and we 've missed 

260 '' Our way, driven into other tracks by winds 
" From every point, o'er the vast depth of sea : 
'' E'en so, methinks, has Zeus thought fit to ordain it. 



BOOK I. 185 

" People we boast to be of Agamemnon 
" Atreides, whose renown is now at least 
''The greatest under heaven ; so vast a City 

265 " Has he o'erthrown and ruined many a nation. 
" But suppliant come we to thy knees, in hope 
'* Somewhat of hospitality thou It give us, 
" Or further boon thou mayst be pleased to grant, 
** As is the customary manner of hosts. 
*' Then reverence thou the gods, mightiest one ! 
" For to thee suppliants are we come. And Zeus, 

270 " Zeus Hospitable, who attends the stranger 
" And grants his sacred privilege to guests, 
*' Guardian is he of suppliants and of strangers." 
' I spake : whereat in ruthless mood he answered : 
" A child thou art, stranger ; or hast come 
" From a far country, that thou call'st on Me 
" Either to fear the gods or shun their wrath ! 

275 " For of that goatskin-harnessed Zeus no heed 
'* Do Cyclops take, nor of the happy gods ; 
" For we are far their betters. Nor should I, 
" To avoid Jove's hatred, ever think to spare 
" Thee or thy friends, unless my own heart bids me. 
" But tell me, whither cam'st ashore, and where 
" Hast moored thy trim-built ship ; that I may learn 

280 *' "Whether 't is somewhere at the land's end yonder, 
" Or here hard by." So spake he, trying to sift; 
' Yet passed not so on me, all ware as I was. 
' But thus with guile I answered him again : 
" Driven to yon headland at your furthest shore 
" My ship was cast against the rocks by Him 
^' Who Shakes the Earth, Poseidon, and there wrecked ; 

285 *' For the wind drave us from the open sea : 



186 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 

" And I, with these, but hardly escaped from death." 
' So spake I, whereto he, in ruthless mood, 
' Answered me nothing ; but with sudden spring 
' Laid hands upon my comrades : two at once 
' He seized, as were they whelps, and 'gainst the ground 
290 ' Dashed them : and on the Earth their brains gushed out 
^ And smeared the ground. Then limb from limb he cut 

them, 
' And made his supper ready ; and he ate, 
' As would a hungry lion from the mountains : 

* Nought left he, neither entrails, neither flesh, 

' Nor marrowy bones. We, weeping at the sight 
' Of deeds so cruel, upraised our hands to Zeus ; 
295 ' And helplessness gat hold upon our hearts. 

* Soon as with eating man's flesh, and upon it 

* Drinking pure milk, he 'had filled his mighty belly, 

* The Cyclops laid him down stretched out at length 
' Within his den to sleep among his flocks. "* 

^ Thoughts then had I in my courageous heart 
300 * To approach him close and from beside my thigh 
' Draw my sharp sword, and aiming well my hand 
' To thrust and wound him on the chest, where lies 

* The midrifi" o'er the liver : but from this 

' A further thought restrained me. For we also 

* Then had died there a sure and certain death : 

' For powerless were we with our hands to shove 
305 ' Back from the lofty gate that mighty stone 

* He 'had laid against it. Sad then thus we stirred not 
' Waiting for sacred Eos. And when appeared 

' Rose-fingered Eos, child of the early Dawn, 

* Polyphemos is thouglit by some to be an impersonation of a volcanic mountain 
in a state of eruption. 



BOOK I. 187 

Then kindled he his fire, and all in order 

Milked his loud-bleating flocks, and underneath 

Put to each dam her new-born young. This business 

As soon as had he carefully dispatched, 

Again up snatched he two of us at once, 

And made his dinner ready. After his dinner, 

The huge stone easily took he from the gate, 

And from the den drove forth the goodly flocks ; 

But set the stone again, as one might close 

A quiver b}^ its lid. With many a whirr, 

The Cyclops turned his fat flocks towards the heights. 

But I was left behind, brooding on mischief 

In inmost soul, how might I take revenge, 

Would but Athene haply grant my praj^er. 

And in my heart this plan to me seemed best : 

Hard by the pen was lying a staff of the Cyclops, 

Huge, green, of olive-tree ; the which he had hewn 

To carry in hand when dried : at sight, we guessed it 

Tall as the mast of some broad merchant-ship 

Of twenty oars that traverses the deep : 

Such to our view its thickness, such its length. 

To this went T, and cut therefrom in full 

A fathom's length ; and to my comrades gave 

And bade them smooth it off; and smooth they made it: 

Then I, I stood and sharpened it a-top, 

And took and charred it in the scorching fire. 

Down then I laid it, and beneath the dung, 

That lay about the cavern scattered thick 

In many a heap, I carefully concealed it. 

Anon I bade them all cast lots amongst them 

Who with me should adventure to take up 

That stake, and therewith bore him in his eye 



188 



THE ODYSSEY. IX. 



' What time sweet sleep miglit come upon him. And those, 
Those very four I would myself have chosen, 
335 ' Obtained the lots ; to whom a fifth I added, 
Myself by choice. At eventide he came 

' From pasture with his fine-woolled flocks, and straight 
Into the roomy cavern drove them all, 
Yea all his goodly flocks, nor left he aught 

' Outside the high-fenced yard, as if suspecting 

* Somewhat, or e'en some god so ordered it. 
340 ' Aloft then lifted he the mighty stone 

* And set against the gate : then sat and milked 

* His ewes and bleating she-goats, all in order ; 
'And put beneath each dam her new-born young. 

' And when he 'had carefully dispatched this business, 
'Again up snatched he two of us at once 
' And dressed his supper. With an ivy bowl 

345 ' Of the dark wine in hand I then approached him 
'And thus addressed the Cyclops : " Cyclops, here ! 
" Take and drink wine, since man's flesh hast thou eaten ; 
" So shalt thou know what manner of drink is This 
" Our ship had laid in store : drink-offering too 
" For thee I brought it, hoping thou wouldst pity 

350 " And speed me home ; but madly ragest thou 
" Past all endurance. Cruel ! — how hereafter 
" Ever would any one of all mankind 
" To Thee come suppliant ? since thou dealest thus 
" Not handsomely." I spake : whereat he accepted 
' And drank it off" ; and wondrously he enjoyed 
' Drinking the pleasant draught ; and begged of me 

355 ' Again a second : " Kindly give me again ! 

" And tell me at once thy name ; that I may give 
" To Thee some pledge of hospitality 



BOOK I. 189 

" Wherein may'st Thou rejoice. Though to us Cyclops 
" The kindly soil yields wine from heavy g-rapes, 
^' And showers from Zens increase them; yet must This 
" Be a branch from streams of nectar and ambrosia." 
360 ' He spake ; and sparkling wine I again served him ; 
' Thrice did I bear and give him wine ; and thrice 
' With heedless folly clean he drank it off. 
' Soon came the wine about the Cyclops' wits ; 

* Then, then in courteous words I thus addressed him : 
*' Cyclops ! dost ask the name whereby I'm called ? 

365 '' Tell thee I will then ; but give Thou to me 
" That hospitable boon as hast thou pledged : 
" My name is No-One : No-One is the name 
" My mother, father, and all other friends 
*' Are wont to call me." Spake I thus ; whereat 
' In ruthless mood forthwith he answered me : 
" After his comrades No-One I '11 eat last, 

370 '^ All the others first : This hospitable boon 

^' Shall be for thee." He spake, and swaying back 
' Tumbled supine : anon there lay he quiet, 
' His thick neck bent awry ; and Sleep all-conqu'ering 
' Seized hold upon him : soon from out his gullet 
' Gobbets of man's flesh, and the wine gushed forth, 
' And heavy with much wine he belched again. 

375 ' Then, then thrust I the stake beneath the heap 
' Of embers till 't were hot : encouragement 
' I spake to all my comrades, lest through fear 

* Any should fail me. In the fire meanwhile 
' Soon as the olive-stake, however green, 

' Was just about to kindle, and 't w^as glowing 
' Wondrously, I then took it from the fire 
380 ' Towards him, rather near ; my comrades ready 



190 THE ODYSSEr. IX. 

Standing about me : and a mighty courage 

Kind Chance breathed into 'us : then the olive-stake 

All sharp a-top took they, and straightway plunged it 

Into his eye ; while raising up myself 

I from above kept screwing it about. 

As when some shipwright with his auger bores 

385 * The timber for a ship, while from below 
His fellows twirl it by a leathern thong, 
They holding at each end, and the tool spins 
Still on and on ;— so in his eye we held 
And screwed the fiery-pointed stake, while blood 
Streamed round the red-hot brand ; the heat whereof 
Singed all about his eyelids and his brows, 

390 ' As the eye-ball burnt : and with a hiss its roots 
Burst crackling in the fire. As when a smith 
For temper of a mighty axe or adze 
Plunges the metal hissing mightily 
Into cold water (for the strength of iron 
Is even thus) ;— so about the olive-stake 

395 ' Did his eye simmer. Loud, frightfully, he wailed. 
Whereat the cliff re-echoed all around ; 
And we in affright betook ourselves away. 
The blood-bedabbled stake from out his eye 
He plucked, and frantic threw it from his hands : 
Then shouting loud he called the neighbouring Cyclops 

400 ' Who dwelt in caves among those gusty heights. 
Hearing his cry, anon were they astir 
From every quarter, and about his cavern 
They stood and asked what 't was that troubled him : 
'Whatever is't afflicts thee, Polyphemos, 
' That so thou shoutest through the ambrosial night, 
' And keepest us awake ? Sure never a mortal 



BOOK I. 191 

405 " Seeks to drive off thy flocks in spite of Thee, 
*' Does he ? Sure none, by subtlety or force, 
'* Is killing, is there, Thee thyself?" Straight answered 
" Strong Polyphemos from his den : ''0 friends ! 
*' No-One by Subtlety Is killing me, 
" Not any one by force ! " Anon they answered 
' And spake in winged words : '^ Then if there 's no one 

410 " That does thee violence in thy loneliness, 

" Yet sickness sent by mighty Zeus one cannot 

" Any way shun : but thou, pray to thy sire 

" The king Poseidon." Spake they and went their ways. 

' But I, — the very heart within me laughed, 

' How that this name of mine, this glorious trick 

^ Of No-One, had so utterly beguiled. 

415 * Meanwhile, the Cyclops, groaning heavily 

* In painful travail, groping with his hands, 

' Took from his gates the stone : and, arms outstretched 

* For catching any of us should one think 

* Of passing with the sheep, he sat him down 

' Eight in the gateway ; for, methinks, he hoped 

* At heart, that I was fool enough for that. 

420 ' But I was pondering, how 't were best be done, 
' If haply might I find release from death 
' Both for myself and comrades : and was weaving 
' All manner of wily schemes, as 't was for life ; 
' For perilous mischief was at hand. And this, 
' This to my thought appeared the choicest plan : 

425 ' Some well-fed, goodly rams there were, and large, 

' Of dark brown w^ool, thick-fleeced : laying hold of them 

' By three and three I fastened them together, 

' All silently, with willow-bands well twisted, 

' Whereon was wont to sleep the monstrous Cyclops, 



192 THE ODYSSEY. IX, 

* Versed in iniquity. Each midmost one 
' Carried a man ; and, one on either side, 

430 * Went the two others, rescuing thus my comrades : 
' So three sheep bore each man : but as for me, — 

* A full-grown stout young ram there was, by far 

* The prime of all the flocks, — him by the back 

' I seized ; and, twisting up myself beneath him 
' Under his shaggy belly, there kept still ; 
' And clinging with my hands to his wondrous fleece 
435 * With patient heart I held unceasingly. 

* With sighs we thus awaited sacred Eos. 

' And when appeared, sprung from the w^omb of Dawn, 

* Rose-fingered Eos, Then were rushing forth 

' The male flocks all for pasture ; but the females 
^ Kept bleating, yet unmilked, about the pens ; 
440 ' For bursting were their udders. And the master, 
' Hacked by sore pangs, began to feel the backs 
' Of all his sheep, upstanding as they were : 

* But this the dullard noted not, how close 
' Beneath the bellies of his fleecy sheep 

' Were They tied up. Last of the flocks my ram 
^ Was marching forth, cramped by his heavy fleece 

445 ' And Me with many a thronging thought of heart. 
' Handling Him too, the mighty Polyphemos 
' Talked to him : '* My pet ram ! Why to me thus 
" Last of the flocks art passing from the cave? 
" Heretofore surely never com'st thou lagging 
" Left hindmost of the sheep ; but with long strides 
''Art ever wont, foremost by far, to crop 

450 '^ The tender grass-flowers : foremost too to reach 
*' The river-streams : foremost at eventide 
"Also thou longest to return to fold : 



BOOK I. 193 

" But now, tlie last of all ! Eh thou, dost thou 

*' Eegret thy master's eye? which that vile scoundrel 

" No-One, together with his rascal friends, 

" Has blinded, coming o'er my wits by wine. 

455 *' But not quite yet, methinks, has he from ruin 

" Made his escape. If now like mine thy thoughts, 

" And couldst but speak and tell which way he lurks 

*' To shun my wrath, dashed to the ground and scattered 

" Hither and thither all throughout the cave 

'* Should be his brains forsooth : so should my heart 

*' Lay aside this load of troubles, brought upon me 

460 *' By No-One, worthless good-for-nought !" So saying, 
' Forth from his hands he sent The ram abroad. 

* Soon as a little way from forth the cave 

' And fold-yard had we come, I loosed me first 

' From underneath the ram, then loosed my comrades. 

* Then many a long-legged sheep full fat with tallow 
465 * We quickly turned about and drove to the ship : 

' Where to our friends a welcome sight we were, 

' We who had 'scaped from death ; but for our lost ones 

* Began they a sad lament. Wailing howe'er 

* I suffered not, and with betokening brows 

* Forbade them all ; but ordered them with speed 
' To throw the many fine-wooUed sheep on board, 

470 ' And o'er the briny water make all sail. 

' And soon on board, down sat they on the thwarts, 

* And, sitting ranged in order, with their oars 

* They smote the surfy sea. But when from shore 
' As far as one a-shouting might be heard, 

' Then with heart-cutting words I addressed the Cyclops : 
475 " Cyclops ! not wast thou going to eat forsooth 
" A Weakling's comrades in thy hollow cave, 

13 



194 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 

''Tlioi.1 in tliy mighty streng'tli ! And verily 
^^'Twas doomed thine evil deeds should overtake thee, 
' Thee, cruel wretch ! that fearedst not to eat 
'* The strangers in thy house : all the gods therefore 
^^ And chiefly Zeus have taken vengeance on thee." 
480 ' I spake : whereat he at heart wax«d yet more wrath, 
' And from the lofty mountain rent away 

* And hurled its topmost peak ; and cast it down 
' Before our blue-prowed ship, where but a little 

' It missed the helm's top edge. Whereat the sea 
' In a wash was lifted by the plunging rock : 
485 ' Then straightway right ashore the flowing tide 

* Full from the deep was hurrying back our ship, 
'And nearly drave 't aground : but in my hands 

* I grasped a lengthy pole and shoved aside ; 

* With tokening nod of head then urged my crew 

' And bade them haste to the handling of their oars 
490 ^To 'scape distress : and on they flung their hands 
' And rowed amain. But when away from shore 
' We 'had gained a distance twice as far on the sea, 
' I was again for speaking to the Cyclops ; 
' But round me came my friends on every side 

* With coaxing words to stay me : " Eash ! why wilt thou 
" Exasperate the savage ? who but now*, 

49.5 '^ Hurling his bolt upon the deep, drew back 
" Our ship ashore ; and verily we thought 
'* To 'have perished there. And did he hear one utter 
'^ A sound or word, at once he sure had aimed 
" With a jagged rock and shattered at a blow 
" Ship-timbers and our heads : so Far he hurls." 

500 ' They spake ; yet turned not my courageous heart : 
' But thus in angry spirit again I addressed him : 



BOOK I. 195 

'^ Cyclops ! should any mortal man e'er ask thee 
"About the unseemly blinding* of thine eye, 
" Say, 'twas the City-wasting chief, Odusseus, 
" Laertes' son, who dwells in Ithaca, 

505 " 'T was He clean blinded it !" I spake ; whereat, 
' With piteous wail he answered me : "0 strange ! 
" Now are fulfilled upon me sure indeed 
*' Oracles long since uttered ! Here of yore 
" There was a certain prophet, a brave man 
" And mighty, Telemos Eurymides, 
'' Who excelled in prophecy : and prophesying 

510 " Down to old age lived here among us Cyclops : 
" He told how all these things on me hereafter 
*' Should come to pass : how from Odusseus' hands 
" Loss should I have of sight ; but ever looking 
" Was I, that hither there should come some man 
" Comely and tall, and clad with mighty strength. 
" But now, a little weakling atomy, 

515 " A good-for-nought, by wine has overcome me 

" And robbed me of mine eye ! But come, Odusseus, 

" Come hither now, that I may set before thee 

" Tokens of hospitality and may urge 

" The far-famed Shaker of the Earth to give thee 

*' A speeding forth : for I to Him am son, 

"And sire to me he boasts himself: and He, 

520 " 'T is He shall heal me, if he so shall will ; 
"And none else will whether of happy gods 
" Or mortal men." He spake ; and straight I answered : 
" that I now could spoil thee of breath and life 
"And at once speed thee to the courts of Hades ; 
" So not e'en he who Shakes the Earth shall heal 

523 " That eye of thine !" I spake : whereat he stretched 



196 THE ODYSSEY. IX. 

' His arms towards the starry heaven and prayed 
' To the kmg Poseidon : " Earth-Encompasser ! 
" Blue-haired Poseidon, Hear me ! If I'm thine 
*' In very truth, and if thou art my sire, 
'' Grant me the City-wasting chief, Odusseus 

530 '^ Laertes' son who dwells in Ithaca, 

*' May never reach his home. But if by Fate 
*' 'T is destined he shall see his friends again 
" And reach his well-built home and fatherland, 
*' May he lose all his comrades utterly ; 
'' And in ill plight, and late, may he arrive 

535 ^' On board another's ship ; and in his house 

" May he find troubles ! " Thus in prayer he spake ; 

* And ear the Blue-haired gave him. Whereupon 

* Another stone far bigger raised he aloft 

* And whirling sent it, putting forth his strength 

' Immense. And down behind our blue-prowed ship 
540 * He hurled and missed but narrowly of touching 

* The helm's top edge. Whereat the sea in a wash 
' Was lifted by the plunging rock ; but forwards 

' The wave now bare the ship and drave her on 

' Right to the further shore. And when we thus 

' Had reached the isle where the other trim-built ships 

* Lay moored together, and the crews about them 
545 ' Were sitting all in sorrow, looking out 

' Ever for our return : — thither we came 
' And ran the ship in the sands, and out we stepped 
' On the sea-beach. Anon, the Cyclop's sheep 
' We took from out the hollow ship, and shared, 
' That with me none should go without fair portion. 
' The sheep thus parcelled out, my booted comrades 
550 ' Gave unto me alone the ram yet further ; 



BOOK I. 197 

* And him forthwith on the beach I sacrificed 

* And burnt his thigh-bones to Zeus Chronides, 

^ Cloud-enwrapped king, who reigns supreme o'er all. 

* Yet of my sacrifice took he no heed, 

' But rather was contriving how in wreck 
555 ' Should perish from me all my trim-built ships 
^ And trusty comrades. Thus then all the day 

* Till sun-down sat we feasting beyond tale 

' On flesh-meat, and we quaffed our pleasant wine. 

* And when the sun w^as down and night come on, 
' There on the sea-beach lay we down and slept. 

560 * But when appeared the rosy-fingered Eos 

' Child of the Dawn, in haste I urged my crews, 

* Bade them on board, loose cables and away. 

' Anon they embarked and on the thwarts sat down ; 
' And sitting, ranged in order, with their oars 
' They smote the surfy sea. Thence sailed we forth, 
565 ' Sad ; for though joyed at our own lives reprieved, 
' Yet all our hearts for dear lost friends were grieved. 



198 THE ODYSSEY. 



AEGUMENT OF THE TENTH BOOK. K. 

Odusseus next relates liow he visited ^olus, the keeper of the "Winds ; 
■who kindly supplied him with a favoring Zephyr, and gave him 
the other Winds all enclosed in a leathern hag : how, while he was 
asleep in the ship, his comrades opened it, thinking to find gold : 
A^'hereupon arose a dreadful storm which drove him hack to -S^olus, 
who however would not again receive him. How thence to the 
Leestrygonians ; where he lost eleven of his ships and their crews : 
how thence, with but one ship left, he visited Circe's island -^sea : 
where those whom he sends to explore are changed by Circe into 
swine : how by the aid of Hermes he overcomes the enchantress 
and recovers his comrades : how he stays a year with her ; when, 
by her instructions, he prepares to visit the infernal regions of 
Hades. 

KAPPA has jEoIus ; the Lcestrygons ; 
And the JEcean Circes magic spells. 



' We readied the iEolian isle ; where JEolus 

* Hippotades, loved by the deathless gods, 

* Had his abode within the floating' island, 

' About the which all round there was a wall, 

* Brazen, unbreakable : the rock whereof 

' Ean upward sheer and smooth. There in his palace 
^ Twelye children had he born him : daughters six ; 
' And six sons, in the prime and pride of youth. 
' There to his sons for wives he gave his daughters : 
^ And with their tender mother and loved sire 

* They ever feast together, while beside them 

' Set forth are dainty viands in countless plenty. 



BOOK K. 199 

0' days, the palace, filled ^'vitli savoury steam 

Ee-eclioes to the courtyard ; and o' nights 

They sleep, on loop-holed bedsteads fair with tapestry. 

Beside their tender wives. 'T was to their Town 

And beauteous halls we came. And a whole month 

He kindly entertained me ; and point by point 

Asked about Ilion, of the Argives' fleet, 

And of the Achaians' home-bound course : and I, 

I gave him full and true account of all. 

At length when I was wishing for departure 

And begged him speed me, he refused me nothing, 

But prompt prepared to speed me on my way. 

Flaying an ox of nine years' age, he gave me 

The hide for a bag, wherein he tied fast down 

The goings of the blustering Winds : for Him 

Chronion made his Steward of the Winds, 

With power to lull or raise whiche'er he would. 

Within the hollow ship he tied it down 

By a bright silver cord, that no escape. 

However slight, might be of e'en a breath. 

A favoring Zephyr's North- West breeze howe'er 

He let me forth to bear us on our way, 

Both ships and crews : but not accomplishment 

Was he to make hereof ; for ruined were we 

By our own witlessness. Nine days together 

Both night and day we sailed ; and on the tenth 

My fatherland at length appeared in sight : 

So near, we now began to see them busy 

About their beacon-fires. Then on me wearied 

Came gentle Sleep : for I imceasingly 

Managed the ship's helm nor e'er trusted it 

To any else of the crew,— whereby to reach 



200 THE ODYSSEY. X. 



35 



40 



45 



50 



55 



Our fatherland the sooner. They howe'er, 

My mates, 'gan talking 'mongst themselves, and said 

How I was carrying home both gold and silver. 

Gifts from the high-souled son of Hippotes, — 

^olus : and amongst them one spake thus, 

Eyeing his nearest mate : " strange ! How loved 

' And honoured everywhere is He, by all 

' Whose land and Town he visits ! Many a treasure 

' And goodly is he carrying for himself 

' Of spoil from Troy : but we, who 've all gone through 

' The very self-same course, — We return home 

' With empty hands ! Now too has J^olus 

' Through friendship freely given him all these things ; 

' But come! let 'us quickly see what has he here : 

' What gold and silver in this leathern sack." 

In such wise spake they ; and this evil counsel 

Of the crew prevailed : they loosed the bag ; and out 

Rushed all the winds : when straight a whirlwind snatched 

And hurried them all weeping off to sea 

Away from fatherland : I, soon awaking. 

Pondered a moment in my gallant heart, 

Whether to cast me overboard at once 

And perish in the deep ; or silently 

To endure and still remain among the living, 

I endured howe'er and stirred not ; but in the ship 

Cloaked me and laid me down ; when back again 

By the foul hurricane of wind our fleet 

Was borne to the isle ^olia, and the crews 

Groaned again sadly. There we went ashore 

And drew supply of water : then the crews 

By the swift ships forthwith took hasty dinner. 

Soon as we 'had had a taste of meat and drink, 



K. 



BOOK K. 201 

' A pursuivant and comrade with me I took 

' And went to the echoing halls of ^olus ; 

' And found him feasting with his wife and children : 

' We reached the house, and down upon the threshold 

' "We sat us by the doorposts : and amazed 

' At heart were they and straight began to question : 

'' How com'st, Odusseus ? What unfriendly Chance 

" Has falln upon thee ? Sure indeed we gave thee 

'^ Kind speed at setting forth, that thou mightst reach 

'' Thy fatherland and home, and wheresoe'er 

^' Thy soul might wish." They spake : then I replied 

* With aching lieart : " Wronged me have rascal mates 
" And cruel Sleep betwixt them : but, friends, 

*^ Cure this disorder, for ye have the power !" 

' So spake I, coaxing them with courteous words ; 

' But silent were they, till the sire replied : 

** Begone ! and quickly from the isle, thou vilest 

" Keprobate of all living ! for not lawful 

*' Is 't I should give kind treatment or good speed 

'* To the man that 'is hated by the happy gods ! 

" Begone ! since surely by the deathless ones 

'' Hated thou comest hither!" Saying thus, 

* Forth from his halls he sent me heavily groaning. 

' Then onwards sailed we thence with aching hearts : 

* And worn in this our bootless enterprize 

'Was the men's courage by their toilsome rowing ; 

* For now no longer seemed there any speeding. 
' Six days together sailed we night and day ; 

* And on the seventh we came to the high steep Town 
' Of Lamos, Lsestrygonia, whose wide gates 

* Lie far asunder ; where the in-driving shepherd 
' Is wont to call to the herdsman driving out, . 



202 THE ODYSSEY. X. 

* Pastor to pastor, and lie hears and answers : 
80 ' A sleepless man might there earn douhle hire ; 

' Night-hire for tending beeves : day-hire for flocks : 

* For close at hand are the drifts for night and day. 

^ When thither had we come to the famons harbour, 
' About the which, on either side throughout, 
' A rock was fashioned, hardly climbable ; 
' And the bluff shores run out to form its mouth, 
90 * Facing each other ; with but narrow entrance ; 
' Therein all the others sta^^ed their rolling ships : 
' Fast were they made in order close together 

* Within the hollow bay ; wherein no swell 
' Ever arose, no, neither slight nor great ; 

' But everywhere 'twas smooth and glassy calm. 
95 ' I alone moored my dusky ship without, 

' At the utmost point and made her fast with cables 

* To the rock ; then climbed the rugged cliff and stood 
' To look out : thence howe'er no works of oxen 

' Or husbandmen appeared : but only smoke 
^ UlDleaping from the land we saw : then comrades 
100 ' Forth sent I straight to enquire what manner of men, 
' Bread-eating, might they be in the land: two men 

* I chose, and with them for their pursuivant 

' I sent a third. Forth went they on their way, 
' A level road, whereby from the lofty mountains 
' Into the city waggons brought down wood. 
105 ' There chanced they with a maiden come for water 
' Outside the Town : the mighty daughter was she 
' Of Lsestrygonia's King, Antiphates. 
' Down-stepping was she to the fair-flowing spring 
^ Artacia ; for 't was thence the citizens 

* Were wont to fetch their water to the Town. 



BOOK K. 203 

They stopped, accosted her, and straitly asked, 

Who was the king there, and o'er whom he reigned : 

Full promptly answered she by guiding' them 

To 'her father's high-roofed palace. When they entered 

Within the noble dwelling, there they found 

That wife of his, huge as a mountain-crest ; 

And at her shuddered they in affright. Anon, 

Home called she her lord, the famed Antiphates, 

From sessions ; and a sad death now he planned them : 

One of my comrades snatched he suddenly up 

And dressed him for his dinner. The other two 

In flight rushed out and reached the ships. But He 

Straight raised a hue and cry througliout the City : 

And, hearing it, the mighty Lsestrj^gons 

From evel^y quarter came in countless throngs. 

Like not to men but Giants, sons of Earth. 

Then ponderous stones, as a man scarce might lift, 

Down hurled they from their rocks ; and instantly 

Throughout the fleet uprose a wretched crash 

At once of broken ships and perishing men. 

And there they speared my men as were they fish. 

And for their sorry banquets bore them off". 

During this cruel slaughter of m}^ followers 

Within the deep-bayed harbour, I meanwhile, 

Drawing the cutlass from beside my thigh. 

Cut free the cables of the blue-prowed ship, 

And urged my crew and bade them with all haste 

Handle their oars, to make our 'scape from mischief : 

Whereat, in dread of death, the brine upflung they 

All brisk together. And to sea right gladly 

My ship escaped from those o'erhanging rocks : 

But all, all the others perished there together. 



204 



THE ODYSSEY. 



^ Thence onwards sailed we, sadly grieved at heart 
At losing our dear comrades, yet rejoicing 
As out of Death ourselves. Anon we reached 
135 ' The isle ^sea ; where the fair-tressed Circe, 

* A mighty goddess, using human speech, 

^ Had her abode : by birth, own sister was she 
^ To the sage ^etes ; and they both were born 
' Of Perse, daughter of Oceanos, 
'To the Sun-god, Helios, who gives light to mortals. 

140 'There, at the beach, in silence brought we to, 
' And fetched our ships to moorings in a creek ; 
' And thither sure some god was our conductor. 
' There then we landed ; and two days and nights 
' Quiet we lay, gnawing our hearts the while 
' Through both fatigue and grief. But when at length 
' The fair-tressed Eos brought the third day's light, 

145 ' Then with my sharp-edged sword and spear in hand 
' Up from the ship with rapid steps went I 

* For a look-out place, to see, if haply I might, 

' The works of men, or hear perhaps their voice. 
' I reached the craggy look-out cliff, and stood : 
' And through a coppice thick with oaks was seen 

150 ' Smoke, from the broad-tracked land, at Circe's halls. 
' Forthwith on seeing thus the swarthy smoke, 
' I felt a half desire and mind to go 
' And make enquiry. But on further thoughts 
' This seemed the better plan, first to return 
' Down to the beach and ship, and give my comrades 

155 ' Dinner, and then send forth and make enquiry. 
' Just as I 'had nearly reached the rolling ship, 
' Then 't was that some one of the gods was touched 
' With pity for my loneliness, and sent me, 



BOOK K. 205 

' Right in my path, a high-horned, mighty stag : 
^ For drink, from woodland pasture was he coming 
' Down to the river ; for the Sun's hot might 
160 ' Had hold on him : in the middle of his back 
^ Just in the chine, as he was stepping out, 
' I hit him ; and clean through him pierced the point 
^ Of the brazen shaft. Down bell wing, in the dust 

* He fell and life soon fled away. Upon him 

' I set my foot and from the wound pulled forth 
165 ' The brazen shaft ; which there upon the ground 

' I laid and left ; then plucked some withes and osiers, 
' Whereof I entwined a band, a fathom's stretch, 
' Well-twisted at both ends ; and bound therewith 
' The huge beast's feet together ; with my spear 
' Supporting me, then went I to the ship 
170 'With him about my neck ; for on my shoulder 
' With but one hand there was no carrying him, 
' For a right bulky beast indeed he was. 
' Down by the ship I threw him ; and uproused 

* My crew, each man and all, with soothing words, 

' And thus accosted them : *' friends, despair not, 
" However grieved ; for not shall we go down 

175 " Into the courts of Hades, — ere shall come 

" Our day of mortal Doom. But come, of eating 

" Bethink we, while there 's meat and drink in the ship, 

" And let 'us not pine away through hunger thus." 

' I spake : whereat anon they obeyed my words : 

' Doffing their cloaks they came and gazed with wonder 

' Upon the stag, that lay upon the shore 

180 * Of the barren sea ; for a huge beast he was. 

' When at the sight all gladdened were their eyes, 

' They washed their hands and dressed the glorious feast. 



206 THE ODYSSEY. X. 

Thus tlien the whole day forth, till sun was down, 
Sat we and banquetted past tale on fleshmeat 
And pleasant wine. And when the sun was set 

185 * And dusky night was come, there down we lay 

And slept on the sea-beach. Soon as peeped again 

Eose-fing'ered Eos, sprung from womb of Dawn, 

Then I, I called a gathering of my comrades 

And thus addressed them all : '' Now comrades, list ye, 

' Though suffering hardship, list ye to my words : 

' friends ! we know not here which way is West, 

190 " Nor which way Eos ; neither which way Helios, 

* Who enlights mankind, goes underneath the Earth, 
' Nor wdiere again he rises : but consult we 
' And quick, if yet there be some other plan, 
' As but scarce hope I have. This land I saw, 

* When upon yonder look-out cliff I climbed, 
' To be an island, which on every side 

195 " The boundless Deep encircles : low it lies 

' And flat : and with mine eyes I espied in the midst 
' Uprising smoke, through a thickly timbered wood." 
I spake : but they, their very hearts were crushed, 
Eemembering as they did the cruel deeds 
Of dread Antiphates the Lsestrygon, 

200 ' And of the mighty Cyclops, man-devouring. 

Shedding the big warm tear they wailed aloud : 
But ne'er was any profit gained by weeping. 
Into two parts then straightway counted I 
My booted comrades all ; and for each troop 
I gave a chief : of these took I command ; 

205 ' Of those, Eurylochus of godlike form. 

Then lots we quickly shook in a brass-tipped cap. 
Of mighty-souled Eurylochus forth leaped 



BOOK K. 207 

The lot ; when straight he went his way, and with him 

His troop of two and twenty comrades, weejDing*. 

Sad too and tearfnl ns they left behind. 

Within a valley, in a far-seen spot, 

They found the abode of Circe : fashioned was it 

Of polished stones : and all around were lions 

And mountain-wolves that she 'had bewitched and tamed 

By dose of baneful drugs. Nor did they rage 

Against my men, bat upstood fawningly 

Wagging their lengthy tails. As round their master 

Coming from forth the feast his dogs stand fawning, 

For scraps to please their taste he always brings them ; 

E'en so, those strong-clav/ed wolves and lions kept fawning 

About my men, who at sight of such grim monsters 

Were sore affrighted. Presently they stood 

Before the palace-gates of the fair-tressed goddess : 

There heard they Circe chanting with sweet voice 

Within, as she was plying the large loom 

Ambrosial : such fine, graceful, splendid work. 

As is the wont of goddesses. And now 

First spake Polites, marshaller of warriors ; 

Dearest and valued most of all my comrades 

Was he to me : '' friends," quoth he, " within, 

^ Busily plying the large upright loom, 

' Is some one sweetly chanting (all the pavement 

' Kesounds again); some goddess or a woman ! 

* But shout we aloud forthwith." He spake ; and out 

Called they and shouted : forth whereat she came 

And oped her splendid doors and bade them in. 

And in together, in their witlessness, 

All followed her : Eurylochus howe'er 

Kemained behind, suspecting 'twas a snare. 



208 



235 



240 



245 



250 



255 



THE ODYSSEY. X. 

In led slie and seated tliem on chairs and thrones ; 

And mixed them porridge, cheese and barley meal 

And clear, fresh honey, with Pramneian wine : 

Baneful drugs too up-mixed she with the meal, 

To make them clean forget their fatherland. 

Soon as she 'had given them, and they 'had drank it off, 

She touched them with her wand, and shut them up 

Within her hog-sties ; and anon had they 

The head, grunt, bristles, and the body of swine : 

But understanding, firm, as theretofore : 

Weeping, were they then thus penned up ; and Circe 

Cast down before them fruit of cornel trees, 

Beech-masts and acorns, for their food ; such food 

As grovelling swine are wont to eat. But quickly 

Back sped Eurylochus to the dark swift ship 

To tell the unwelcome news about his comrades, 

And their hard lot : but, fain howe'er he was, 

Yet never a word had he the power to speak. 

So stricken was he at heart by mighty grief : 

Filled were his eyes with tears, and his whole soul 

Intent on woe. But when at length all we 

Agazed stood asking him ; then, then he told us 

The tale of the others' ruin : '^ E'en as thou badst us, 

' Glorious Odusseus, went we through yon wood : 

^Fashioned of polished stones a beauteous dwelling 

' We found in a valley, in a far-seen spot. 

' And, plying there the upright loom, was some one, 

' Or goddess, or a woman, briskly chanting. 

^ Then shouted they and called ; when forth she came 

^ And oped her splendid doors and bade us in. 

' And in together, in their witlessness, 

' All followed her : but I remained behind, 



BOOK K. 209 

" Suspecting 'twas a snare. They all together 
" Soon disappeared ; and forth not one of them 

260 " Was seen again, though long I sat and watched." 
' He spake : whereat I ilimg my bow and quiver 
' And mighty, silver-studded, brazen sword 
^ About my shoulders ; and straight bade him lead me 
'The self-same way : but he, with both his hands 
' Clasping my knees, all doleful prayed me thus 

265 * In winged words : '' Not thither ! Jove-loved Prince, 
" Take me not thither 'gainst my will ; but here, 
'' Here leave me ! for I know how never a one 
*' Of those thy comrades shalt thou bring again, 
*' Nor canst thyself return : but rather hence 
'' Let us escape with these, while yet perchance 
*' We may avoid the day of evil." He said ; 

270 * When straight I answered him : ^' Eurylochus ! 
'' Yes ! here remain thou in this very spot 
'' Beside the hollow ship, and eat and drink : 
'' But go will I ; and strong Necessity 
''There comes upon me." I spake, and from the ship 
' And sea up went I upon my way. At length, 

275 ' Just when on passing through the sacred vales 
' I was about to reach the mighty palace 
' Of the drug-dealing Circe, in the way 
' Hermes, gold rod in hand, there chanced with me : 
' A young man, coming to the house, he seemed, 
' Chin with first down, in loveliest bloom of life : 

280 ' Anon he clasped my hand and spake this word 
' And gave it utterance loud : " And whither now 
" Alone through the uplands, Luckless, art thou coming 
" All unacquainted with the country too ? 
" And here at Circe's halls these friends of thine 

14 



210 . THE ODYSSEY. X. 

" Are close cooped up, and occupy, like swine, 

^' Her strong-barred sties. To free them com'st thou hither? 

285 *' But not, I guess, shalt thou th^^self return ; 

"And thou, yea stay shalt thou, e'en as the others. — 
*^ Yet come ; I '11 free and save thee out of mischief : 
" Here ! take this goodly simple, and therewith 
*' Enter the abode of Circe : it may ward 
" The day of evil from thy head. And now 
^' I'll tell thee all the poisonous arts of Circe : 

290 " She'll dress thee porridge, and thereinto cast 

*' Drugs wath the meal : yet, for all that, no power, 
"To witch thee shall she have ; for this good simple, 
" I'll give thee, shall forbid. But point by point 
" I'll tell thee : whensoe'er with lengthy wand 
" Shall Circe touch thee, then draw thou forthwith 
" The cutlass from beside thy thigh and rush, 

295 " E'en as in rage to slay, rush upon Circe. 
"She, after somewhat of alarm thereat, 
" Will bid thee to her bed. Refuse not thou 
" The goddess' love : so will she loose thy comrades, 
" And tend thyself with kindliness : but bid her 
" Swear by the great oath of the happy ones, 
" How that against thyself no kind soe'er 

300 " Of mischief will she plot : lest, having stripped thee, 
" She unman and make thee vile." As thus he spake, 
" From out its earth the Argus-killer drew 
* The simple forth and gave me, and the nature 
' Thereof he shewed me : black it was in the root ; 
' Lilie unto milk its flower : and the gods call it 

305 ^ Aloly :^ to dig it up is hard, at least 



Supposed to be what mortals call " Mandr&.gora/' the mandrake. — See Gen. 



XXX. 15, etc., and Sol. Song, vii. 13. 



BOOK K, 211 

* For mortal men : the gods liowe'er can all things. 
' Straight then away across the wooded isle 

' Stept Hermes for the Olympian heights ; and I, 
' On to the halls of Circe ; and within me 
^ My heart all darkly brooding as I went. 
310 ' Soon at the fair-tressed goddess' gates I stood; 
^ And there I stopped and shonted, and my voice 
^ The goddess heard. Straight forth she came and oped 
' Her splendid doors and bade me in ; and in 

* Anon I followed, aching sore at heart. 

' In led she and seated me upon a throne 

* Studded with silver, fair, of curious work, 

31o ' With footstool underneath : then, for my drinking, 
^ She dressed me porridge in a golden cup, 

* And, with full mischievous intent of heart, 

* Mingled a drug therein. And when she 'had given 
^ And clean I 'had drank it, and it witched me not, 

' She struck me with her wand, and spake the word 

* And uttered it aloud : " Into the hogsty 

320 '' Hie now ! and bed thee with the rest thy fellows !" 
' She spake ; when I forthwith unsheathed my hanger, 

* And, as in rage to cleave, rushed upon Circe. 

' She, with loud outcry, ran beneath, and seized 
' My knees, and wailing dolefully addressed me 
' In winged words : ^' Who, and of men whence art? 
325 '' Where is thy city and what, and who thy fathers ? 
Amazement holds me, for that thou hast drank 
These drugs, and yet in no-wise art bewitched. 
For T/iese drugs, no, not e'er has other man 
Withstood, that once should drink them, and whose lips 
Should give them passage o'er his teeth. But thou, 
A spell-proof sort of heart in Thy breast is it. 



212 THE ODYSSEY. X. 

330 '' Is't then that Thou art He of many a trick 

'' Turmoiled Odusseus, He, whose coming hither 

^' With dark swift ship in home-hound course from Troy 

*' The gold-rod i\.rgus-slayer was oyer wont 

" To he foretelling me? But come, put up 

^' Thy hanger in the scabbard : and our couch 

^' Climb we together, that in fond embrace 

335 " Loving and loved we both may trust each other." 
' She spake ; whereat in answer I replied : 
" Circe, how canst urge me to become 
^' Buxom towards thee ; thee, who in thy halls 
'' Hast turned my comrades into swine? and here 
*' Art holding me ; and full of wily thoughts, 

340 " Bidding me to thy chamber and thy bed, 

'' That so mayst strip, unman, and make me vile ? 
'^ Thy couch ! not I indeed w^ould think to up-climb ; 
" Unless to me wouldst have the grace, goddess, 
^^To swear the great, firm oath thou wilt not scheme 
" Mischief of any kind soe'er against me." 

345 ' I spake ; when, as I bade, she straightway sware 

^ To plot no harm : and when she 'had sworn and duly 

' Completed the firm oath, then the fair couch 

^ Of Circe I ascended. In her halls 

' Four careful handmaids were there busy at work, 

^ Women she has for drudgery about the palace : 

350 ' Sprung from the wells are they, and of the groves, 
' And from the sacred rivers that flow forth 
^ Towards the sea. Busy was one of these 
^ Spreading soft linen cloths upon the thrones, 
'And o'er them beauteous purple rugs for covers : 
' Before the thrones another was there ranging 

355 ' Tables of silver, whereupon she set 



BOOK K, 213 

' Cate-baskets, golden ; wliile a third was mixing 
' Wine, smooth as honey to the taste, delicious, 
' In a silver bowl, and ranging golden cups : 

* The fourth was fetching water, and up-kindling 

* A goodly fire beneath an ample tripod, 

' Wherein was warmed the water. And when seething 
360 ^ Hot was the water in the glittering copper, 

' She set me in the bathing-tub and washed me, 
' And mixed to a pleasant warmth from out the tripod 
' Down o'er my head and back, till from my limbs 
' She took away all harassing fatigue. 
' She washed and nointed me with fresh smooth oil, 
36o ' And put a goodly coat and mantle upon me ; 
^ Then led and seated me upon a throne, 
' Studded with silver, fair and richly dight, 
^ With stool for feet beneath. A serving woman 
' Brought water wherewithal to wash my hands 

* O'er which from comely golden ewer she poured it 

* Into a silver basin ; and beside me 

370 ' Outspread the polished table. A reverend dame 
' The stewardess, brought bread and set before me, 
' And added many a dainty cate, freely offering 
^ Her ready stores : and straight she bade me eat. 
' But no, not pleasant was it to my soul ; 
' But there I sat with thoughts on other matters, 

* And my whole heart was still foreboding troubles. 
375 ' As soon as Circe noted me so sitting, 

' Not putting forth my hands upon the food, 

' And still in gloomy sorrow, she drew near 

' And thus accosted me in winged words : 

'^ Why ever dost thou sit, Odusseus, thus 

'^ Just like a mute ? gnawing thy soul the while, 



214 THE ODYSSEY. X. 

^' And touchest neither meat nor drink ? Now sure 
380 ^' Some snare or other art thou still suspecting : 
" But no, no need is there for Thee to fear ; 
" For the firm oath I 've sworn to thee already 
'' To plot no harm." She spake ; whereat I answered : 
^'0 Circe, — who, — what man, of righteous mind, 
'' Would bear to taste of either meat or drink 
385 ^^Ere he should free his comrades, and behold them 
" Before his eyes ? But if with kindly thought 
"Thou bidst me drink and eat, — at once release them, 
" That I may see my trusty friends before me." 
' I spake ; and Circe, straight, with wand in hand, 
^ Stepped through the hall and out, and oped the doors 
390 ' Of the sty, and drove out what seemed fatted hogs 
^ Of nine years' age : then stood they facing her, 
^ Whereat amongst them went she in and smeared 

* Some other drug on each ; when from their limbs 
' Off streamed the bristles, which the baneful drug, 

^ The lady Circe theretofore had given them, 
395 ' Had caused to grow : and men they straight became, 
^ Younger than theretofore, and far more comely, 
'And taller too to look at. Me forthwith 
^ They knew, and clung, each one, about mine arms ; 

* And a sweet yearning after tears there stole 

' Upon us all : and e'en herself— the goddess — 
' Was moved to pity. Anon she came towards me, 
400 ' Stood near, and thus the fair of goddesses 
' Addressed me : " Jove-sprung Laertiades 
'^ Odusseus ever ready, haste thee now 
" Down to the sea-beach and thy nimble ship : 
^' The ship then, first and foremost, haul ye up 
" Ashore : then bring thy chattels, arms and stores 



BOOK K. 215 

"And all thy tackle, and in our caves secure them : 
40o '' Straight then return thou and bring* thy trusty comrades." 
^ She spake ; and I, — my gallant heart within me 

* "Was soon persuaded ; and away I went 

' Dow^n to the sea-beach and my nimble ship : 
' There found I at the ship my trusty friends 
' All in sad grief, shedding the big warm tear. 
410 ' And, as wdien round a herd of cows just come 
' Into the cattle-yard, having had their fill 

* At grazing, all together from the sheds 

' Their calves skip forth to meet them ; and the pens 
' No longer hold them in, but blaring loud 
' And frequent run they round about their mothers ; — 
' E'en so about Me, when 'fore their eyes they saw me, 

415 ' Were They dissolved in tears ; and their heart seemed 
'To be so with them, e'en as though they 'had reached 
' Their fatherland of rocky Ithaca 
' And their own town, where they were bred and born. 
' Then all in tears they spake these winged words : 
"As joyed are we at thy return, prince, 

420 *' As had we reached our Ithaca, our home 

"And fatherland : but come, the tale now tell us 

" Of all our comrades yonder and how they Ve perished." 

' So spake they, when in courteous words I answered : 

" Draw we the ship to land now first of all, 

" Then bring we our stores and arms and all our tackle 

425 " Into these caves ; then haste ye all together 
" And follow me to Circe's sacred palace ; 
" There may ye see your comrades at good cheer 
"Eating and drinking ; for they 've ever plenty." 

* I spake ; whereat my words they quickly obeyed, 

* Saving Eurylochus, who was alone 



216 THE ODYSSEY. X. 



430 



435 



440 



445 



450 



455 



For checking me and keeping all the crew, 

And thus to them he spake in winged words : 

' Ah luckless, whither go we ? Why desire 

' Mischief like this ? Why go to Circe's halls ? 

^ All of us would she turn to swine or lions 

' Or wolves to please her ; and of her great palace, 

' Even perforce, should we be made the guardians. 

' As did the Cyclops, when to His farm-yard 

' Our comrades went, and with them went This Bold 

' Odusseus, for 't was all through His blind rashness 

' They also perished." Spake he thus : whereat 

In doubtful mind was I, whether to pluck 

The long sharp hanger from my sturdy thigh 

And sever his head and bring it to the ground, 

E'en though he was a kinsman very near. 

But back with soothing words my comrades kept me 

On every side : " Prince, now if Thou commandest, 

' Him will we let be here, here by the ship 

' To stay and guard the ship : and lead thou us 

' To Circe's sacred halls." So saying, they went 

Up from the ship and sea. And not behind 

Was left Eurylochus at the hollow ship. 

But came he too ; for he feared my terrible threat. 

Kindly meanwhile had Circe at her palace 

Both washed our comrades there and 'nointed them 

With olive oil ; and woolly cloaks and tunics 

Cast she about them : and we came and found 

All gaily feasting in her halls. But soon, 

Seeing each other and their tales all told. 

Out wailed they sadly, and the dome re-echoed. 

Whereat the fair of goddesses drew near me 

And said : '^ Jove-sprung Laertiades 



BOOK K. S17 

' Odusseus ever-read}^, no more now 

' Call forth this lively grief: myself well know, 

' What heavy troubles on the fishy deep 

' Ye 've suffered ; and upon the dry land also 

' What damages have foemen brought upon you. 

' But come, now eat ye food and drink ye wine, 

' Until ye gain such heart again within you 

^As when at first ye left your fatherland 

' Of rocky Ithaca : but all dried up 

' And spiritless are ye now, for ever thinking 

'About your troublous wanderings ; and your soul, 

' By reason of so many woes ye 've sufi'ered, 

' Is joyous never." Spake she thus ; and we, — 

Our gallant hearts at once had confidence. 

Day after day, till a whole year came round. 

Then sat we there and feasted, past all tale. 

On flesh-meats and smooth wine : but when at length 

The year had circled with its waning months, 

And round had come the seasons and long days. 

Out then my faithful comrades called me and said : 

' Good Sir ! call now to mind thy fatherland, 

' If 't is decreed for thee to 'scape in safety 

' And reach thy high-roofed home and fatherland." 

They spake ; and I, my gallant heart thereat 

Anon gave heed. So then the whole day forth 

Till sun-down sat we at banquet past all telling 

On fleshmeat and smooth wine. When sun was set, 

And night come on, then down to sleep they laid them 

About the dusky halls. But I, I ascended 

The beauteous couch of Circe and at her knees 

There suppliant I besought her, and the goddess 

Unto my voice gave ear. Addressing her 



218 THE ODYSSEY. X. 

I spake these x^inged words : " Delay not, Circe, 
' To achieve me tlie nndertaking* that thou pledgedst, 
' To speed me home ; for thitherward my spirit 
' Eagerly yearneth now, as also yearneth 
485 ^' That of my comrades yonder ; and they wear 
' My very heart ont, wailing all ahont me, 
' Shouldst Thou at least be aloof at any time." 
I spake ; and she, the fair of goddesses 
Straight answered : '^Jove-sprung Laertiades 
' Odusseus ever-ready, against your wills 
' Stay ye no longer now at my abode : 
490 '^ But, before homebound, must ye first achieve 
Another voyage, and must go to the courts 
Of Hades and of dread Persephone, 
There to consult Teiresias' ghost, the Theban, 
Seer sightless, but of understanding firm ; 
To whom though dead, Persephone has granted 
Alone to have sage spirit of understanding : 
495 '' The rest, mere shadows, flit about." She spake; 
But I, my very heart was crushed within me : 
I wept as there I sat upon the bed ; 
Nor longer had I any wish to live 
And see the light of the sun. But when of weeping 
And racking torture I had had my fill, 
500 'Then thus I answered her and said : ^' Circe, 
How thither I ? for who shall be my pilot 
In such a voyage ? Hitherto has no one 
With his dark ship e'er reached the realm of Hades." 
I spake ; and she, the fair of goddesses 
Straight answered : '' Jove-sprung Laertiades 
Odusseus ever-ready, never care, 
505 " Be under no concern for want of pilot ; 



BOOK K. S19 

But raise tlie mast, and with white sails unfurled 

Sit still ; and let the Northern gale of Boreas 

Bear thy ship forward. But when through the Ocean 

Thou 'hast voyaged with thy ship, to the oozy shore 

And sacred groves of stern Persephone, 

Her tall black poplars and abortive wdllows. 

There, by the deeply-eddying Ocean, drive 

Thy ship ashore, and to the dank abode 

Of Hades go thou. There the torrent fire 

Of Pyriphlegethon and the wailing river 

Cocytus, branching from the Hateful water 

Of Styx, flow into Acheron's sad flood : 

And a rock is there, at the joining of the two 

Loud-beating streams. And there, my lord, hard by 

Get thee to anchor, as I bid thee ; and dig 

A pit, a cubit large in breadth and depth ; 

And therein round about to all the dead 

Pour a libation ; first, of milk with honey ; 

Then, of sweet wine ; and, for the third, of water : 

And sprinkle fine white flour thereon. Then vow. 

With many a prayer to the fleeting ghosts of the dead. 

To sacrifice, on reaching Ithaca, 

Within thy courts a barren cow, thy choicest, 

And to heap full the pile with goodly things. 

Vow to Teiresias also separately 

To him alone thou'lt immolate a ram 

All black, the very best among your flocks. 

And when upon the glorious hosts of the dead 

Hast called with vows, there sacrifice a ram 

And a black ewe, twisting them towards the gloom 

Of Erebus, and turn aloof thyself 

Looking towards the river-streams : anon 



220 THE ODYSSEY. X. 

530 '' Will many a ghost of the deceased dead 

*' Come thither. Then, then haste and bid thy comrades 
" Flay and burn down the sheep, which lie already 
'' Slain by the ruthless axe ; and add yet further 
'^Prayers to the gods, to dread Persephone 
'' And powerful Hades. Drawing then thy sword, 

o3o ^' Sharp, from beside thy thigh, remain thou quiet, 
" But suffer not the fleeting ghosts of the dead 
'* To approach too near the blood, till of Teiresias 
'^Thou 'hast heard his answer. Thither, prince of hosts 
*^ Anon to thee will come the seer, and tell thee 
" Thy course and all the measure of thy w^ay, 

540 *^ And how shouldst go upon the fishy d^ep 

'^ For thy return." So spake she, when soon came 
' The gold-enthroned Eos. And then about me 
' The Nymph put goodly raiment, cloak and tunic ; 
' And donned herself her silver- shining mantle, 
' Large, fine and graceful ; and about her waist 

o4o ' A girdle, beauteous, golden ; and a veil 

' Put she upon her head. I through the palace 
' Hasted and waked my friends, and went to each 

* With soothing words : '^ Indulge ye now no longer 
'^ In sleep nor balmy slumber ; but let 'us go : 

'' For so the lady Circe now has bidden me." 
550 ^ I spake ; and straight their gallant hearts obeyed. 
' Yet indeed no, not scathless thence away 

* Led I my comrades. Youngest of my crew 
' Was one Elpenor, nowise very brave 

' In the battle-field, nor was he apt in mind : 

* He from my comrades in the sacred halls 
' Of Circe had gone aloft, heavy with wine, 

665 ' Longing for coolness, and there laid him down. 



560 



565 



570 



BOOK K. 221 

And when he heard the noise and heavy tramp 
Of all his comrades stirring-, np he arose, 
Suddenly and clean forgat how his return 
Was downwards as he came to the lofty ladder;^' 
But from the roof, head foremost, down he pitched 
And broken was his neck from out its joints, 
And down to Hades went his soul. Meanwhile, 
To the others, come about me, spake I thus : 
Ye have perhaps some thought now, to return 
To your dear fatherland : but other voyage 
Has Circe pointed out for us, to the halls 
Of Hades and of dread Persephone, 
There to seek counsel of the Theban seer 
Teiresias' ghost." Thus I ; whereat was crushed 
The very heart within them : down they sat them 
There on the spot and wailed and tore their hair ; 
Idly ; for no gain ever came to weeping. 
At length, howe'er, as we were going along 
Down to the sea-shore and our nimble ship. 
Grieving the while and shedding the warm tear, — 
To the dark ship went also Circe, imseen, 
Whereunto a ram and a black ewe she bound, 
Easily eluding us : for with his eyes 
Who is 't might see a god, however near, 
This way or that, who willeth not to appear ? 

* See Deut. xxii. 8. 



222 THE ODYSSEr. XI. 



ARGUMENT OF THE ELEVENTH BOOK. A. 

Odusseiis, in continuation, relates to Alcinoos, how by Circe's directions he 
went down to the realms of Hades ; and there received from the seer 
Teiresias instructions for his own and companions' safety : how he saw 
many illustrious shades, both men and women, — his mother among them ; 
and some Avho with him had fought at Troy : how he witnessed sundry 
punishments inflicted in Hades' kingdom. 

LAMBDA : of Necromancy , in the realm 
Of Hades ; where Oclusseus holds discourse 
With sundry ghosts and gains intelligence. 



* Soon as we 'had reached the sea and ship, forthwith 

* Into the vasty deep we hauled her down : 

' In the dark galley set we her mast and sails, 

* And took the sheep and pnt on board, and sad 

5 ^ Embarked ourselves, shedding the big, warm tear. 
' Anon the fair-tressed Circe, powerful goddess 

* Of human speech, sent us a prosperous breeze, — 
' A good companion to our blue-prowed ship, — 

' Following us from behind, filling our sails. 
^ Then busily having ordered all the tackle 
10 ' Throughout the ship, we sat at ease ; while straight 
' The wind and helmsmen kept her. All day long 
^ Strained were her sails as clave she through the deep, 
' Till sun went down and dark grew every way. 
' Then came she to the bounds of the deep-flowing Ocean ; 



BOOK A. 223 

' Where lies tlie land and Town of the Cimmerians 
15 ' Covered with mist and darkness : never there 

* Beaming' with rays looks Helios down upon them ; 
^ Neither when walks he np the starry heaven, 

* Nor when from heaven again towards the earth 

^ Onward he bends him : but o'er wretched mortals 
' Is spread a baneful night. Thither we came 

20 ^ And moored our galley and took the sheep thereout ; 
' Then walked we along beside the Ocean's stream, 
' Until we reached the spot, whereof sure knowledge 
' Circe had given me. There Eurylochus 
'And Perimedes held the sacred victims, 
' While my sharp hanger from beside my thigh 

25 ' I drew and dug a pit, a cubit large 

' In depth and breadth ; and round to all the dead 

* Poured a libation : first, of milk with honey ; 

* Then of sweet wine ; and, for the third, of water ; 

' And sprinkled fine white flour thereon. Then vowed I, 
' With many a prayer to the fleeting ghosts of the dead, 

* To sacrifice, on reaching Ithaca, 

30 ' Within my courts, a barren cow, my choicest ; 

* And to heap full the pile with goodly things : 

* Yowed also to Teiresias separately 
' To him alone to sacrifice a ram 

' All black, the very best among our flocks. 

* And when with prayers and vows I 'had called on these, 
35 ' Hosts of the dead, I took the sheep in hand, 

' And o'er the pit beheaded them, and forth 

* The dark blood flowed : then up from Erebos 

' Flocking there came those ghosts of the dead deceased : 

' Young men and maids of marriageble age : 

' Old men who 'had suffered many a toil ; young girls 



224 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

40 ' Witli hearts in early grief ; and many a man 

* Wonnded by brass-tipped spear, battle-slain chieftains 

' AYielding their blood-stained arms : with awful availing 
' From every side in multitudes they came 
' Flocking about the pit ; and pallid Fear 

* Gat hold on Me. Then, then I bade my comrades 
45 ' Flay and burn down the sheep which lay already 

' Slain by the ruthless sword, and pray to the gods, 

' Strong Hades and the dread Persephone ; 

' While with sharp sword drawn from beside my thigh 

' I sat, and suflfered not the fleeting ghosts 

' To approach too near the blood, until I 'had asked 

50 ' And heard Teiresias' answer. First there came 
' Our comrade's ghost — Elpenor's : for not yet 
^ Under the roomy earth had he been buried : , 
' For in the court of Circe had we left 
' His body unburied and unwept, as urgent 
' Was other care. At sight of him, I wept 

55 ' And in my soul had pity : winged words 

' Then spake I and thus addressed him : " How, Elpenor, 
'' How cam'st beneath this misty gloom ? On foot 
''How art before me, me with the dusky ship ?" 

* I spake ; when in reply bewailingly 

' He answered : '' Jove-sprung Laertiades 
" Odusseus ever-ready, an evil Chance 
60 " Sent by some god, and awful draughts of wine 
" Have damaged me : I laid me down to sleep 
'' At Circe's palace, and I noted not 
'' How my return was downstairs as I came 
'' Upon the lofty ladder ; but pitched down 
'' All head-long from the house-top : thus my neck 
"Was burst from out its joints, and down came hither 



BOOK A, 225 

65 " My soul to Hades' realm. But at thy knees 
*' Now pray I thee,— by those that are not here, 
" By those thou 'hast left behind thee, — e'en thy wife 
" And sire who nourished thee while yet a babe, 
" And by Telemachus thine only one 
" Whom left'st thou in thy palace ; for I know 
'* How that, when hence from Hades' realm thou goest, 

70 " Thou'lt moor again thy trim-built ship at the isle 
'^ MxB. ; there, my lord, I do entreat thee, 
" Kemember me : and go not thence away, 
*' To leave me there un buried and unwept ; 
" Lest I become a cause of bringing wrath 
" Upon thee from the gods : but burn me there 
'' Together with mine arms, e'en all I have, 

7o *' And on the surfy sea beach heap me a mound, 
" As for a luckless man, whose fate e'en those 
" Yet for to come may learn. This do for me ; 
" And fast upon my tomb fix up the oar, 
^' Wherewith while yet alive and with my comrades 
" I used to row." He spake; and straight I answered : 

80 " All this, luckless, will I do for thee 

^' And throughly accomplish." Thus then as we sat, 
' Kept we exchanging gloomy words together ; 
' I, on the one side, holding still my sword 

* Over the blood, the while on the other side 

' My comrade's phantom talked at large. Anon, 
^ Came there the ghost of my deceased mother, 
85 ' Daughter of mighty-souled Autolycus, 

* My mother Anticleia, whom yet living 

* Left I when setting forth for sacred Ilion. 
' At sight of her I wept and in my heart 

' Had pity : but e'en so, for all my grief, 

15 



226 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

Her yet I allowed not to approach the blood, 
Till I might ask and hear Teiresias' answer. 
90 And soon Teiresias' ghost, the Theban seer, 
Approached, with golden sceptre in his hand, 
' And knew me and said : '' Prince Laertiades 
'' Odusseus ever-ready, why, luckless, 
*^ Why hast e'er left the sun-light and come hither 
^'To view the dead and this all joyless country? 
'* But from the pit withdraw thee and hold aloof 
95 '' Thy sharp-edged sword, that I may drink of the blood 
*' And tell thee unerring truth." He spake ; and I 
' Straightway withdrew, and thrust down into its sheath 

* My silver-studded sword ; whereat he drank 

' Of the dark blood, and then the faultless seer 

* Addressed me thus : '^ For smooth, sweet, home-return, 
'^ Brilliant Odusseus, art thou looking out ; 

100 '' But painful for thee will the god make this : 
" For not, methinks, shalt thou escape the notice 
'' Of Him who Shakes the earth, who has against thee 
'' Stored rancour in his heart, in wrath with thee 
'' For having clean bereft his son of eyesight. 
" But yet e'en so,— suffering whatever troubles, 
'^ Ye may return, if, — if thou wilt but check 

105 *' Thine own and all thy comrades' appetite, 
" What time, escaping from the purple deep, 
" First at the isle Thrinacria shalt thou moor 
" Thy trim-built ship, and find at pasture there 
" The cows and goodly flocks of the Sun-god, Helios, 
"Who o'ersees all things, and who o'erhears all. 
" If these shalt thou let be, unharmed, and wisely 

110 " Think for thy home-return,— ye may yet come 
" Although through troubles to your Ithaca. 



BOOK A. 227 

' But shouldst thou plunder them, then for thy comrades 

' And for thy ship I point thee out sheer ruin. 

' And though perchance thyself shalt 'scape, yet late 

' And in ill-plight, with loss of all thy comrades, 

' Shalt thou return borne on a foreign ship : 

' And misery shalt thou find within thy house, — 

* O'erweening men, who woo thy graceful consort 
' And offer wedding gifts, and eat thy substance : 

' But for their outrage thou shalt come and take 

* Vengeance upon them. When howe'er thou 'hast killed 
' The suitors in thy halls, either by guile, 

' Or with sharp weapon openly, — then take thou 

' A handy oar, and forth, until thou come 

' To men who neither know the sea, nor eat 

^ Food mixed with salt ; e'en men who have no knowledge 

' Of red-cheeked ships and handy oars, which are 

' As were they wings to ships. And now I '11 tell thee 

' A sign, — to thee right unmistakable 

' And plain : Whene'er some other wayfarer 

' Shall at length chance to meet with thee, and say 

' How that thou bear'st upon thy lustrous shoulder 

' A winnowing shovel, — then there fast in the earth 

' Fix up thy handy oar, and sacrifice 

^ Fat goodly victims to the king Poseidon, — 

^ A ram, a bull, and lusty boar : home then 

^ Return, and offer sacred hecatombs 

' To the deathless gods, who occupy broad heaven, 

* To every one in order : and shall come 

' Upon thyself, from out the sea, a death 

' So passing easy, as shall gently end thee 

^ O'ercome by smooth old age ; and all thy people 

' About thee shall be blest : what here I tell thee 



228 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

" Is all unerring truth." He spake ; wliereat 
In answer I replied : '' Indeed, Teiresias, 
" To me the gods themselves, I ween, have spun 
" The thread of all these matters. But now this 

140 " Tell me, and give me true account : I see 
" This ghost of my deceased mother here ; 
'^ And silent near the blood she sits, nor ventured 
^' Has she in face to look upon her son, 
" Nor to address him. Say, my lord, how may she 
" Know me again for such V I spake ; and straight 

145 ' He answered in reply : ** An easy matter 
*' Tell thee I will and give to understand : 
" Whome'er of the deceased dead thou allowest 
'^ To come and reach the blood, that one shall tell thee 
" Unerring truth ; but whomsoe'er thou grudgest 
*' So to indulge. That one shall back again 

150 " From thee withdraw." It spake, and having uttered 
^ Its oracle, the ghost of lord Teiresias 

* Forthwith departed into Hades' palace. 

' But I remained there still, until my mother 

' Approached and drank the cloudy blood, when straight 

* She knew me and all in mournful wail spake thus 
155 ' In winged words : '' My son ! how cam'st, alive, 

" Beneath this misty gloom? for to the living 
" Hard matter is 't to come and see these regions : 
'^ For in the midst are terrible floods between, 
*' And mighty rivers, specially the Ocean, 
" Across the which, on foot, one cannot pass, — 
^' Nowise, unless one has a gallant ship. 
160 " Is 't only Now from Troy then com'st thou hither, 

^^ Wandering this long time both with ship and comrades? 
''And hast not yet reached Ithaca ? not seen 



BOOK A, 229 

'*Thy wife within thy halls?" She spake; anon 
' I answered : " Mother mine ! a matter of business 
*' Has led me down to Hades', to consult 

165 '' Theban Teiresias' ghost. Not yet indeed 
'* Touched at Achaia have I, nor set foot 
^' Upon our own land yet ; but still I wander, 
'^ Unceasingly in wretchedness, e'er since 
" At very first, to horse-prolific Uion 
" I went with high-born Agamemnon's host 
" To fight the Trojans. But now tell me this, 

170 *' And give me true account : What Fate subdued 
'* And laid thee outstretched in the bed of death ? 
'' Was 't lingering sickness ? or with her gentle weapons 
" Did the arrow-loving Artemis attack 
*' And slay thee ? Tell me also of my father 
*' And son too whom I left behind : and whether 

175 ^' With them remains my high prerogative ; 
" Or whether some one else already holds it, 
'^ Thinking that I return no more. And tell me 
" The mood and purpose of my wedded wife, 
'^ Whether at home abides she with our boy, 
" And keeps all safe ; or whether of the Achaians 
^* Already has the noblest married her." 

180 'I spake ; when straight my lady mother answered : 
" Yea verily abide indeed does She 
" Within thy palace, and in patient spirit : 
" But aye in tears are spent her nights and days 
"Of dreariness. Thy fair prerogative 
*^ No one yet holds. But quiet and in peace 

185 " Telemachus possesses thy domains, 

*' And feasts at goodly banquets, as 't is fitting 
" To make in honour of a princely judge ; 



230 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

" For all invite him. But thy father bides 
^^ There at his field, nor comes he into the Town. 
" And nought to him are either beds or bedding 
" Or cloaks and glossy rugs : but there sleeps Hey 

190 " In the winter, e'en where sleep the serfs, in the house, 
" In dust and ashes by the fire ; and wears 
" Sad garments on his limbs : and when returns 
" The summer, and the time of fruit,— then strewed, 
" Everywhere for him, are there upon the ground 
" Beds of fall'n leaves about his fruitful orchard 
" And vineyard : there all sorrowful lies He, 

195 *' And cherishes a mighty grief at heart, 

'^ Mourning thy fate ; and old age comes upon him, 

^' Severe. In suchlike manner I, I also 

" Perished and met my fate : not me indeed 

'^ Did the Arrow-loving goddess of sure aim 

^' Attack in the house and slay with her mild weapons : 

200 '^ Nor came upon me any kind of sickness, 

" Which mostly takes out life by hideous wasting 

^' Of limbs : but my fond yearning after Thee^ 

^' Brilliant Odusseus, and my cares for Thee, 

*' And gentle thoughts of 7/^^^,— 'twas this that robbed 

^' Me of sweet life." She spake. Doubting in heart, 

^ Yet fain was I forthwith to embrace the spirit 

205 * Of my deceased mother : thrice indeed 

* Forwards I sprang to embrace her, as my soul 

* Kept bidding me : and thrice from out mine arms 

* She flitted like a shadow or e'en a dream ; 

' While waxed within my heart grief yet more sharp : 
' Then spake I winged words and thus addressed her : 
210 ^* My mother ! why now stay'st not for me— fain 

'' To embrace thee, that we both, e'en though in Hades', 



BOOK A, 231 

^' May clasp in loving arms, and have indulgence 
" In chilly woe together ? Is this merely 
'' Some phantom dread Persephone has sent me, 
'' That I may weep and wail yet more ? " I spake ; 

215 ' Whereat straight answered me my lady mother : 
^^ Alas, my son, beyond all men ill-fated ! 
"' In nowise does Persephone, Jove's daughter, 
^' Beguile thee : but the way is this of mortals, 
'' What time they are dead ; for then the nervous force 
'^ Longer possesses not or flesh or bones ; 

220 " But these the vehement might of blazing fire 

^' Wastes down, what time the life first left the bones ; 
''And on the wing flits, like a dream, the soul 
'' Fluttering away. But back with all thy speed 
'' To daylight struggle thou : and note all this, 
" That also to thy wife may'st tell it hereafter." 

225 ' Thus then together talking were we two : 

' Then came those noble women (urged thereto 
' By dread Persephone), — all that were daughters 
' And wives of princely chieftains ; and in throngs 
' Flocked they about the cloudy blood. Anon, 
' I was devising how to question each : 

230 ' And to my thoughts this plan appeared the best : 
' Forth drawing from beside my sturdy thigh 
' The long sharp hanger, I allowed them not 
' To drink the dark blood all at once together : 
' But waiting one for other came they to it, 
* When each set forth her race ; and every one 

235 ^ I questioned. Foremost there I saw amongst them 
' Tyro of noble ancestry, who said 
^ She was the child of blemishless Salmoneus, 
^ And wife of Cretheus, son of ^Eolus : 



232 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

' Enamoured had she been of a Eiver-god, 
' Divine Enipeus, fairest far of rivers 

240 ^ That glide on earth ; and so she much frequented 
^ Enipeus' comely streams. Taking his likeness, 
^ The Land-Encompasser who Shakes the Earth 
' Lay with her ^ at the mouth of the eddying river : 
' Then mountain-like, a purple wave uprose 
' And, arched, stood round them, and concealed the god 

245 ' And mortal bride : her maiden zone he loosed 

* And slept with her : the god, when he 'had achieved 

* The business of his love, straight clasped her hand 
' And spake this word and uttered it aloud : 

" Eejoice, woman, in my love ! and children 
'' Of splendid beauty, — as the year revolves, — 
^' Shalt thou bring forth ; for not unfruitful beds 

250 ^' Have the immortals : cherish thou and nurse them. 
" Eeturn home now ; and keep it to thyself, 
" And mention not the matter : know moreover, 
'^ I am Poseidon, he who Shakes the Earth." 
' So saying, he plunged beneath the billowy deep. 
' And she, impregnated, brought forth twin sons 

255 ' Pelias and Neleus ; both of whom became 

* Kings, doughty ministers of mighty Zeus. 

* Wealthy in flocks, dwelt Pelias in lolchos, 
'Wide-roomy Town : Neleus in sandy Pylos. 

* And these, yet else, the princess bare to Cretheus, — 

* Pheres and iEson ; Amythaon also, 

' Whose joy was horses. Next to her, I saw 
260 ' Antiope, the daughter of Asopus : 

' To 'have slept in the arms of even Zeus she boasted : 
' And two sons bare she, Zethos and Amphion : 
* See Gen. yi. 4. 



BOOK A. 233 

' Tliey were the founders of the city of Thebes 
' Seven-gated ; which they girt about with towers : 
' For strong howe'er, — yet not in roomy Thebes 
265 ' Unfenced with towers, had they the power to abide. 
^ Next after her, Amphitryon's wife I saw 
' Alcmene ; who, embraced by mighty Zeus, 

* Bare staunch-souled Heracles, the lion-hearted. 

* And Megare, the high-souled Creion's daughter, 
' Her whom Amphitryon's ever undaunted son 

S70 ^ Possessed for wife. Next, beauteous Epicaste 
' Mother of (Edipus I saw : a deed 
'Heinous did she, through witlessness of mind, 
' To her own son got married : his own father 
' Slew he in fight and spoiled, and her he married. 
' But forthwith far and wide among mankind 
'The gods made known the matter. He howe'er, 

275 * Under sad troubles, through the slaughterous will 
' Of the gods, was king, in deeply-accursed Thebes, 
' O'er the Cadmeians ; and she, possessed by grief, 
'Tied her a hanging noose from a lofty beam, 
' And thus came down to the abode of mighty Hades, 
' The Fastener close of gates ; and left behind 
' To Him full many a woe, as heavy indeed 

280 ' As through a mother's curse the Avenging Furies 
' E'er bring to pass. And next I noted Chloris 
' Of passing comeliness, whom erewhile Neleus 
' Courted with wedding gifts innumerable 
'And married for her beauty : youngest daughter 
' Was she of Amphion, son of lasos : 
' Her sire was erewhile king with mighty sway 

2^5 ' In Minyan Orchomenos ; and queen 

' She was at Pylos ; where to her lord she bare 



234 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

' Illustrious sons, brave Periclymenos, 
' Nestor and Chromius. After whom slie bare 
' A daughter, goodly Pero, of beauty wondrous 
^ To mortal sight : the neighbouring princes all 
^ Came wooing her : but not would Neleus give her 
290 ' To any one but him, who might achieve 
' The perilous task of driving off the herds 
' Of twist-horned, broad-faced, cows from Phylace, 

* Herds of his mightiness the king Iphicles : 
' Melampus,^ faultless seer, alone engaged 

' To drive them off ; but the stern lot of Fortune 
' And cruel chains and clownish cattle- keepers 

295 ' Bound him in prison. But when at length the months 
' And days of the revolving year had circled, 
' And on again had come the season, —then 
' His mightiness Iphicles set him free, 
' For having told him prophecies all truthful, 
' And Jove's will was accomplished. Next, I saw 
' Leda, that famous wife of Tyndareus : 

300 ' To Tyndareus she bare two dauntless sons, 

* Castor, renowned for taming horses ; and Pollux 
' Doughty at boxing : these life-bounteous Earth 

* Covers both living : and, though beneath the Earth, — 
' With honor from the hand of Zeus, they live 

' On days alternate, and on days alternate 
' Are dead ; and have obtained a share of honor 
305 ^ Coequal with the gods. Next after her 
' I saw Aloeus' wife, Iphimedeia : 
' Poseidon's love she boasted ; and had borne 
' Twin sons, (but both were short-lived) godlike Otus 
^ And far-famed Ephialtes :— tallest they 
* See XV. 226, etc. 



BOOK A, 235 

' Of all whom bounteous Earth had ever nourished, 
'And far the comeliest,— after famed Orion. 

* For at nine years' age nine cubits were they broad, 

' And fathoms nine in height at least. They threatened 

* E'en 'gainst the Deathless ones upon Olympus 
' To raise the battle-cry of furious warfare : 

' They strove to pile up Ossa on Olympus, 
' And Pelion with its quivering woods, on Ossa ; • 
^ That heaven might thus be scalable.* And sure 
' Achieved it had they, might they but have reached 
', The measure of first manhood's bearded age ; 
' But Jove's son, whom the fair-haired Leto bore, 

* Slew both, ere woolly down bloomed on their cheeks 
' Or shaded o'er their chins with mantling beard. 

' Then Phaidra and Procris ; — then, sage Minos' daughter, 
' Fair Ariadne, next I saw ; whom erst, 
' From Crete to sacred Athens' fruitful land, 
' Theseus was fain indeed to take to wife, 
' But yet had no enjoyment ; for beforehand 
' Artemis slew her in the sea-girt isle 
' Of Dia, on the accusing testimony 
' Of Dionysos. Maira too I saw, 
' And Clymene, and hateful Briphyle, 
' Who took a price of gold for the betrayal 
' Of her own husband. But I cannot tell, 
' Not I, nor name so many wives and daughters 
' Of heroes as I saw : the ambrosial night 
' Would fail me first : besides, 't is time for sleeping, 
' Either on ship-board with the crew, or here ; 
^ And with the gods and you remains the charge 
' Of speeding me." He spake : whereat in silent 
* See Gen. xi. 4. 



236 THE ODYSSEY, XI, 

Stillness they all remained, held by enchantment 
Throughout the dusky halls. At length amongst them 
335 White-armed Arete was the first to speak : 

'' Phseacians ! how, what think ye of This, this Man, — 

* His comely form and height and good, brave wit ? 
' My guest he is ; and each of you has also 

' Share of the honor : wherefore be not hasty 
' To speed him forth ; neither be niggardly 

340 ^ In gifts to one so much in want ; for treasures 

^ Ye have in plenty, through the gods' high favour, 

^ Stored in your palaces." Then thus amongst them 

Spake also Echeneus, an ancient lord ; 

Earliest in birth was he of all Phseacians : — 

' friends, our ever-thoughtful queen speaks not 

' Beside the mark indeed, nor otherwise 

345 * Than might be expected : but comply ye at once : 
' 'T is upon Him, howe'er, the king Alcinoos, 

* Depends this business and its furtherance." 
Forthwith then answered him and spake Alcinoos : 
" E'en so shall be the furtherance of this matter, — 

* If at least life and kingly sway are mine 
^ Among Phseacia's long-oar-loving men : 

350 ' Let then our guest endure, craving howe'er 
' For home-return, to abide at any rate 
' Patiently till to-morrow, until such time 
^ As I shall make complete my parting gifts : 

* And his good speeding shall be all men's care, 

' And chiefly mine : for mine throughout the land 

* Is the chief power thereof." Then answered him 
355 Odusseus ever-ready : — '' King Alcinoos, 

' Great glory of all thy people ! If indeed 
^ You bid me stay here, even^for a year, 



BOOK A, 237 

' And ye then give me speed, and splendid gifts, 

* Yea willing were I so ; and far more gain 

' 'T were so for me with fuller hand to reach 
' My beloved fatherland : more reverenced thus, 
360 ' More acceptable also should I be 

* To all men that might witness my return 

' Home to my Ithaca." Then spake Alcinoos 
And answered him : '' Odusseus ! not indeed 
' Look we on thee and deem thee like some cheat 
' Or thievish rogue, such as among mankind 
365 ' So rife are spread for dusky Earth to feed, 

' Fitting their lies, and whence come, no one knows : 

' But graceful shapeliness of words is Thine 

' And gaUant wit : and deftly, e'en as a minstrel, 

* Thou 'hast told the tale of lamentable troubles 
' Of all the Argives, and thine own. But come, 

370 * Now tell me this and give me true account : 
' Sawest thou any of thy godlike comrades, 

* Those who together with thee went to Ilion 

' And who there met their fate ? For at this season 

* The night is vastly long, wondrously long ; 

' And not yet is 't the household's time for bed : 

* Then tell me thou thy marvellous deeds of wonder. 
375 ' E'en till the sacred Dawn, content I 'would stay 

' Wouldst thou so long continue here in the hall 
' To tell me these thy troubles." In reply 
Then spake Odusseus ever-ready : '^ King Alcinoos, 
' Great joy of all thy people ! — time forsooth 
' For many a tale is yet : time for sleep also : 
380 ' And if to hear, — to hear yet more, thou longest, 
' For my part, not would I refuse to tell thee 
^ Yet other matters,— sadder still than these, — 



238 



THE ODYSSEY. XI. 



385 



390 



395 



400 



405 



Tlie troubles of my friends, yea e'en of tliose 
Who perislied afterwards :— of those who escaped 
Safe through the dismal battle-cry of Trojans, 
But perished in returning* home, at the 'best 
Of a bad woman. Soon as all away 
Had chaste Persephone dispersed the ghosts 
Of the gentler women, — mournful then drew near me 
Atreides Agamemnon's ghost ; round which 
In crowds were others who had met their fate 
And perished with him in iEgisthus' palace. 
At once, on having drunk the cloudy blood, 
He knew me and sorrowfully wailed aloud 
Shedding the big round tear, and forth towards me 
Stretching his arms, all eager to embrace : 
But no ; no longer had he strength substantial. 
Nor aught like force, as was he wont erewhile 
To have in 'his pliant limbs. At sight of him, 
I also wept and in my soul had pity, 
And spake to him thus in winged words and said : 
' Most glorious Agamemnon, Idng of Men, 
' Atreides ! what, what violent Doom of Death 
' O'ercame and laid Thee outstretched ?^ Did Poseidon 
' Upraise a blast unenviable of winds, 
' Of heavy winds against thee in thy ships 
' And thus o'ercome thee ? or on dry land, mischief 
' Did foemen do thee foraging their herds 
' And cutting off their goodly flocks of sheep ; 
^ Or while wast fighting in defence of home, 
* Thy City and women ?" Spake I thus ; whereat 
' He answered : " Jove-sprung Laertiades, 
* See Book iv. 515, etc. 



BOOK A. 239 

" Odusseus ever-ready ! No, indeed, 

" Poseidon overcame me not, nor raised 

" A blast unenviable of heavy winds 

" Against me in my ships ; nor on dry land 

^' Did foemen do me mischief: Me howe'er, 

'' My death and mortal doom ^gisthns planned ; 

410 " He bade me to his house, he feasted me, 
'' And with his concubine my baneful wife 
" He slew me, as one slays an ox at crib. 
'^ Thus a most miserable death I died : 
" About me too without a pause were slaughtered 
*' All of my comrades, — e'en as white-tusked boars 
" At club-feast or some festive entertainment 

415 " Or wedding banquet given by some great man 

** Of mighty power and wealth. Witnessed already 

" Hast thou the massacre of many a man 

'^ Slain singly, and in sturdy throng of battle : 

^* But That sight, aye most sure, hadst but thou seen, 

" Sore pity hadst thou felt at heart, as there 

*^ Around the mixing-bowl and well-filled tables 

420 *' Lying were we in the hall, and the whole pavement 
" Boiling with blood. A cry most lamentable 
^'Then heard I from Cassandra, Priam's daughter, 
" Whom at my side the traitress Olytemnestra 
" Was murdering : I, all dying on the ground, 
" Lifted and threw my hands to clutch my sword ; 
^' But she, that hound-faced one, was gone ; nor had she 

425 " The heart to set my mouth together for me, 

'^ Or with her hands to close mine eyes, though going 
'^ To Hades as I was. Oh, nothing is there 
" More horrible and more houndlike than a woman, 
'^ Whoe'er she be, that casts within her mind 



240 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

'' Such heinous deeds, yea such a deed unseemly 

" As She contrived and wrought, her husband's murder, 

430 " The lawful wedded husband of her youth. 
'^ Thinking yea fondly was I to reach home 
''And to be welcomed by my serfs and children ; 
" But She, — cunning, beyond compare, in mischief, 
*' Has poured down whelming shame both on herself 
" And on the gentler race of womankind, 
*' E'en upon her whose 'haviour shall be righteous, 

435 " For ages yet to come." He spake : whereat 
' In answer I replied : " strange ! now sure, 
" By woman's counsels, far-seeing Zeus has hated 
'* The race of Atreus, even from the first, 
" Horribly : perished utterly forsooth 
'' Has many a one of us because of Helen : 
" And against Thee, during thy far off absence, 

440 *' This treacherous plot did Clytemnestra plan." 

' I spake ; and straight he answered me and said : — 
" Wherefore be Thou, no, never unto a woman 
" Over obsequious ; and display before her 
'^ Not every matter whereof well thou knowest, 
'^ But tell her somewhat, and the rest let be 
^' Kept secret yet. Yet not on Thee, Odusseus, 

445 '' Shall there be murder done through Thy wife's will ; 
" For of a passing prudent spirit is she, 
" Thoughtful Penelope, Icarius' daughter, 
'' And has good thoughts at heart. Her, a young bride, 
'' Left we behind, when forth we went for the war ; 
'^ And at her breast there was an infant boy, 
^' Who sure, methinks, sits numbered now with men, 

450 '^ Blest ; for return shall His dear sire, and see him ; 
" And He to his bosom shall embrace his father. 



BOOK A^ 241 

E'en as 't is meet. But She, that wife of mine. 
Not e'en permitted me to take my fill 
Of seeing my son ; but, ere such joy, she slew me, 
Yea even me. And now yet else I'll tell thee. 
And lay it thou to heart : not openly 
Ashore at thy dear fatherland bring to, 
' But secretly ; since trust in womankind 
' No longer is there. But now tell me this 
' And give me true account, — whether ye hear 
' Anght of my son, who is living yet, I ween, 
' Or in Orchomenos, or in sandy Pylos, 
' Or in broad Sparta, at the court, may be, 

* Of Menelaiis ; for the prince Orestes 

' Not yet, I ween, is dead upon the earth." 
He spake ; when in reply I answered him : — 

* Atreides ! Me why askest thou these matters ? 
' Nought do I know, whether he lives or not ; 

' And chattering empty vapor is not comely." 
So stood we both exchanoino' mournful words 
In grief, and shedding many a big round tear. 
Anon, the ghost of Peleus' son, Achilles, 
Also drew near me ; also of Patroclus, 
And of the blemishless Antilochus ; 
Of Ajax also ; who, of all the Danaans, 
Was goodliest, after blemishless Peleides, 
In form and stature. Presently the ghost 
Of the foot-swift J^acides Achilles 
Knew me, and wailing, thus in winged words 
Addressed me : ^' Jove-sprung Laertiades 
' Odusseus ever-ready ! what, Keckless, 

* What yet still greater deed wouldst thou in thy heart 
' Be now contriving ? How hast ventured down 

16 



242 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

475 " To Hades' realm, where dwell the senseless dead, 
'' Phantoms of mortals wearied out from labor?" 
' It spake ; and I replied : — " Peleus' son, 
'' Achilles ! bravest far of all Achaians ! 
'^ I came on matter of business with Teiresias, 
" For counsel, might he tell me, how to reach 

480 '' My rocky Ithaca : for not Achaia 

" Haye I yet touched; nor have I yet set foot 
'^ On mine own land, but troubles still I endure 
'' Unceasingly : sure, than Thyself, Achilles, 
'' A man more blest, before or after thee, 
*' There is not : for indeed we Argives erst 
" Were wont to honor Thee, e'en as the gods ; 

485 '^ And now, down here, a mighty sway thou bearest 
'' Among the dead : then be thou nothing grieved 
" At having died, Achilles." Spake I thus ; 
* Whereat he straight replied : " Brilliant Odusseus! 
'' Indeed now praise not death, not death, to me : 
'' Much rather would I be upon the glebe 
'^ A hireling laborer to some needy swain, — 

490 '' Whose means of livelihood were not abundant, — 
" Than to be lord over all the dead deceased. 
'^ But, tidings of that gallant son of mine 
^' Come, tell me now; whether or not he strives 
^* To be of the foremost to the battle-field. 
'' Of Peleus too, the blemishless, tell, tell me 
^* Whate'er hast heard ; whether he yet holds rank 

495 '' And honor amongst our many Myrmidons ; 

" Or whether now throughout both Phthia and Hellas 
" They esteem him not, because old age lays hold 
" Upon his hands and feet. For I no longer 
" Under the light of Sun am any aid, 



BOOK A, 243 

'' As once I was, wlien fighting for the Argives 

500 '' I slew on Troy's broad plains her choicest men. 
'* If to my sire's abode I still being such 
*' Might come, and 't were but e'en for little while, 
" Sure would I prove my strength and unmatched hands 
*' Dreadful to every man that does him wrong 
" And keeps him from his honored rank." He spake ; 
' And I straight answered him : '' Nought of thy sire 

505 " Blemishless Peleus have I heard forsooth ; 
'' But of thy son, thy Neoptolemos, 
/* E'en as thou bid'st I'll tell thee all the truth : 
" For Him on board my gallant ship from Scyros 
*' 'T was I myself conveyed, to join the Achaians' 
*' Well-booted host. Whene'er about Troy's Town 

510 *^ Used we to advise together on our plans, 

*' Aje was he first to speak, and was not wont 

" To miss the matter : I and godlike Nestor 

" Were the only two were wont with him to wrangle : 

" But when about the Trojan Town we Achaians 

" Went forth for fighting, — never would he stay 

'* In the crowd and throng of men, but far ahead 

515 '^ Used he to run before, and yield to none 

*' In that fierce might of his ; and many a man 

" He slew in the horrible strife. But not can I 

'' Name all, — nor say,— how many a foe he killed 

*' Fighting for the Argives : save how he slew with sword 

'* Telephos' son, the lord Eurypylos ; 

520 '^ Round whom were slaughtered too his many folio wers, 
" Ceteian troops, through a woman's gifts lured thither. 
'' Sure, next to godlike Memnon, I beheld, 
** Comeliest was He, thy son. And furthermore, 
** When we the choice of the Argive chiefs down stepped 



244 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 



525 



530 



535 



540 



545 



' Into the hollow horse, Epeius builded, 

' And all the charge thereof was put on me, 

' Either to ope the door, or keep shut up 

' The close-packed ambush, all the other chiefs 

' And Danaan princes there were drying their tears, 

' And trembling* under him were each one's limbs ; 

' But with mine eyes Him saw 1 never at all 

^ No, neither turning pale in his comely hue 

' Nor wiping tears from off his cheeks ; but oft 

' And oft he begged to sally from the Horse, 

' Clutching his sword-hilt, and his brass-tipped spear, 

^ With furious bent for mischief to the Trojans. 

' But when at length we 'had sacked Priam's lofty Town, 

' Taking his share and rich reward, he embarked 

^ All scatheless, neither hit by pointed brass 

' From off-hand aim, nor wounded in close fight, 

' The chance so frequent in the field, where Ares 

^ Eages pell-mell." I spake : when with great strides 

Off stalked about the meadow of asphodel 

The fleeting ghost of swift ^acides, 

Joyful at that I had told him of his son 

So signalized. But standing yet in grief 

Were the other ghosts of the deceased dead. 

And each one told its troubles. Aloof and lone 

Off-stood the ghost of Telamonides 

Ajax, still wroth for the conquest I had won 

Erewhile against him in the judgment-court 

Held near the fleet, the prize, Achilles' armour ; 

Whose lady mother 't was put forth that prize ; 

And sons of Trojans and Athene Pallas 

Pleaded before the judges. Oh that never 

Had I gained judgment in such rival contest ! 



BOOK A, 245 

' Since, for that armour's sake, the Earth has covered 

550 ' So dear a head, our Ajax ; who surpassed 
* The Danaans all, save blemishless Peleides, 
' In comeliness, surpassed them too in deeds. 
' Him then with courteous words I thus addressed : 
" Son of the blemishless lord Telamon, 
*' Ajax ! and wast not going then to forget, 
'^ Not e'en when dead, the wrath thou hadst against me 

555 '^ About that baneful armour? which the gods 

^' Ordained to be a grievous harm to the Argives, 

'' Since to them art thou lost, such tower of strength. 

^' But for Thee dead we Achaians mourn for ever 

" The same as for Achilles, Peleus' son : 

*' Nor was there any one to blame ; but Zeus 

'' Horribly hates our host of Danaan warriors, 

560 '^ And Thy doom has he ordained. But, good my lord, 
'^ Draw nigh, and hear the matter of our words ; 
'' And quell thy gallant mood and haughty spirit." 
' I spake : yet nought he answered me, but stalked, 
' To the other ghosts of the deceased dead, 
' Into Erebus. Yet still might He in his wrath 

565 ' E'en there have spoken to me ; or I to Him ; 
' But fain at very heart my spirit was wishing 
' To see the ghosts of the other dead deceased. 
' There then I saw the illustrious son of Zeus, 
' Minos,^ with golden sceptre in his hand, 
' Sitting and giving forth the law to the dead ; 

570 * And asking judgments of the king were they, 
Some sitting, others standing, roimd about him 
' At the wide-gated courts of Hades' palace. 
' And next, I noticed huge Orion,t gathering 

* Traditionally, Moses. f Traditionally, Nimrod ; see Gen. x. 8, 9. 



246 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

Wild beasts about the meadow of asphodel 
Into close pen, beasts he himself had slain 
On desert mountains ; in his hands a club 

575 * Of solid brass, unbreakable for ever. 

Next, I saw Tityos, the Earth-born son 
Of g'lorious Gaia : on the ground he lay. 
Stretching' o'er nine broad acres : ravening vultures 
One on each side there kept, plucking his liver 
And plunging into his bowels : nor with his hands 
Could he defend him : this, for his attempt 

580 ' At forcing Leto, Jove's illustrious consort. 

While on her way to Pytho, through the land 
Of pleasant Panope. Then also I noticed 
Tantalus undergoing heavy pains : 
In a lake's midst he stood : it reached his chin ; 
And yet, thirsting he stood there ; neither could he 
Catch e'er a draught ; for oft as the old man stooped 

585 ' Longing for drink, so oft the water vanished 
Sucked back on a sudden ; and about his feet 
The dusky earth as oft appeared again, 
And aye the god kept drying it up : hard by 
Were towering trees that let their fruifhang down 
From top to bottom, pear-trees and pomegranate, 

590 * Bright-fruited apple-trees and luscious fig 

And blooming olive ; but whene'er the old man 
Strove with his hands to reach thereof, the wind 
Aye swept them off towards the shadowy clouds. 
Next looked I on Sisyphus enduring troubles 
Mighty indeed : heaving with both his arms 

595 ' A monstrous stone : pressing with hands and feet. 
Up to a ridge kept driving he the stone : 
But oft as was he about to gain the top, 



600 



605 



610 



615 



620 



BOOK A. 247 

So oft the mighty block recoiled, and ever 

Back again came the stone rolling, all reckless, 

Down to the plain below. But he, he again 

Strained and kept shoving it, while from his limbs 

Down streamed the sweat, and dust rose o'er his head. 

Th^re next I noticed mighty Heracles, 

His Phantom : for among the deathless gods 

Does He Himself enjoy festivities, 

And has to wife the beauteous-ankled Hebe 

Daughter of Zeus and golden sandalled Here. 

On every side about him was there screaming 

Of the fear-bewildered dead, e'en as of birds ; 

And he the while, as black as midnight, grimly 

Looking about, with uncased bow in hand 

And arrow upon the string, seemed ever aiming. 

Athwart his chest was girt his terrible sword 

With golden belt, whereon were wrought devices 

All marvellous : bears, wild boars and glaring lions ; 

And battles, fights and massacres pell-mell. 

Bloodshed and slaughter. (Sure, no not e'en He 

Who by his art so cunningly devised 

That belt, might e'er contrive another snch.) 

He also, soon as with his eyes he saw. 

Knew me and thus in winged words of pity 

Addressed me : "Jove-sprung Laertiades 

' Odusseus ever-ready ! sure, luckless, 

' Some wretched sort of life thon too art leading, 

' E'en such as I was ever wont to endure 

' Under the light of Helios. Son indeed 

' Was I of Zeus Chronion, but yet hardship 

' Endless I had to bear, for I was brought 

' Under the yoke of a man, far, far my inferior. 



248 THE ODYSSEY. XI. 

*' And labours heavy did he put upon me : 
'^ And hither on a time he sent me down 
" To fetch the Dog : than which indeed he thought 
" There were not other task more heav}^ for me. 
625 '^ Off bore I him and led from out of Hades, 

''While Hermes and Athene, bright-eyed, sped me." 
' So saying, forthwith he went his way again 

* Into the abode of Hades. I howe'er 

* Eemained there on the spot, hoping might come 
^ E'en yet some other of those doughty heroes 

' Who had aforetime perished. And those Men 
630 ' Of former days I doubtless yet had seen, 
' E'en as I wished, Peirithoos and Theseus, 

* Illustrious sons of gods : but in vast throngs 

' Crowding came thousands of the dead, with noise 
' Awful ; and pallid Fear took hold upon me, 
' Lest dread Persephone should send from Hades 

635 ' The Gorgon, fierce, grim-headed fiend against me. 

' Then straight to the ship I went, and bade my comrades 

' At once to come on board and loose her moorings : 

' And forthwith came they on board, and on the thwarts 

' Sat down ; and down the rapid Ocean stream 

' Our ship was borne upon the flowing wave ; 

' First by the rowers' might ; then, for their ease, 

640 ' There soon upsprung a right fair, favoring breeze. 



BOOK M. 249 



AEGUMENT OF THE TWELFTH BOOK. M. 

Odusseus continues his narrative ; how, after his return from Hades, Circe 
speeds him on his voyage : his passage by the Seirens, whose enchanting 
songs he hears with impunity : how he loses six of his crew by Scylla, 
while he escapes fi-om the whirlpool of Charybdis : how at Thrinacria his 
comrades impiously devour the Sun-god's heifers ; how therefore they 
are shipwrecked and lost, Odusseus alone escaping on the broken mast to 
the isle Ogygia. 

MU sings, of Seirens and of dangerous rocks, 
Of Scylla, and of Charybdis' whirling pool. 



' Leaving the rapid stream of the Ocean river, 

' Our ship soon reached the broad Sea's billowy waves 

' And the isle ^sea ; where the mansions are 

' And choral dance-rings of the dawn-sprung Eos, 

* And the up-risings of the Sun-god Helios : 

6 ' Arrived, we put the ship aground on the sands, 

* Then outstepped we upon the beach ; and there 
' "Went sound asleep and awaited sacred Eos. 

' And when appeared the rosy-fingered Eos, 
' Child of the Dawn, then sent I comrades forth 
' To Circe's halls, to fetch Elpenor's corse. 
10 ' Anon, then cut we logs of wood, and, mourning 
' With many a tear, we paid him funeral honors, 
'Where the bluff headland cliff juts out the most. 
' Soon as the dead man, and the dead man's harness 



250 THE ODYSSEY. XII. 

' Were burnt, we heaped his tomb and hauled thereto 
' A gravestone ; and his handy oar we up-fixed 
15 ^ On the tomb's topmost point. Thus every rite 
' Performed we throughly. Not howe'er the notice 

* Of Circe had we escaped in coming back 

* From Hades : but right speedily she came, 

* Bedecked in fair attire ; and following her, 

* Her handmaids brought us bread and fleshmeat, plenty, 
' And ruddy sparkling wine. Then forth she stood, 

20 * The fair of goddesses, and thus addressed us : 
^' venturesome! for going down, alive, 
^' To Hades' courts, — twice dying, while once only 
*' Do other mortals die ! But come, eat food 
'* And drink ye wine here all to-day. And forth 
*^ With the early peep of morning shall ye sail : 

25 " Your course will I point out, and every matter 
'^ Make known ; lest through some sad unskilfulness 
" By sea or land ye suffer any harm, 
^' And be distressed." She spake : whereat forthwith 
' Persuaded was the gallant spirit within us : 
' So then the whole day forth, till sunset, stayed we 

30 ' Feasting, past tale, on fleshmeats and smooth wine. 
' And when the sun was down and night come on, 
' By the ship's mooring cables they, my comrades, 
' Lay down to sleep ; but me she took by the hand 
' Aloof from all my friends and settled me, 

* And laid her close beside, and asked me of all ; 
35 * And all with full and true account I told her. 

' Anon the lady Circe thus addressed me : 
'' Brought to an end then thus are all these matters : 
^' But hearken thou, and heed the word I'll tell thee ; 
*' And yea, the god himself will put thee in mind. 



BOOK M. 251 

*' First, to the Seirens shalt thou come, those nymphs 

40 '* Who spell-bind every one, whoe'er he be, 
'' Shall visit them. Whoe'er may witlessly 
'^ Go nigh and listen to the Seirens' voice, 
'^ Never to Eim does wife or infant babes 
^' Come forth with joy to welcome home again; 
" For that the Seirens, seated on their meadow, 

45 " Spell-bind him with their clear-voiced song, though bones 
'' Of mouldering men lie around in many a heap, 
" And the skin rots about them. But away 
/' Urge thy ship past: and with smooth wax worked soft 
^' Smear o'er thy comrades' ears, that never a one 
<( Of T/ie7n may hear : hear, if thou wilt, thyself. 

50 '^ But let them bind thee hand and foot in the ship, 
'' Upright against the mast-foot ; and thereunto 
" Let the rope-ends be fastened : so, indeed, 
''With joy mayst hear the Seirens' two-voiced song. 
" And shouldst thou entreat the crew and bid them loose 

thee, 
''Then let them bind thee close with bonds yet more, 

55 " But when away past Them the crew have driven, 
" Thenceforward for thee, which course out of two, 
" I may not say precisely ; but in heart 
"Take counsel with thyself: both ways howe'er 
" I'll tell thee : on the one side then, are rocks 
" O'erhanging; and against them dash and roar 

60 " The mighty waves of blue-eyed Amphitrite : 
" These are the rocks the happy gods call Rovers. 
" Past There indeed come never winged fowls, 
" Not e'en those timorous doves that carry ambrosia 
" To father Zeus, but that the smooth rock ever 
" Takes of them one away ; but other one 



252 THE ODYSSEY. XII, 

65 " The father adds as oft to make the number. 
'^ Neither has any ship, whose-e'er it were 
"Venturing thither, ever yet escaped; 
" But the ships' planks and bodies of their men 
" Are all at once borne off by surfy breakers 
" And hurricanes of deadly fire. Yes, once, 
" Past T/ie?^e but once has e'er sailed sea-borne vessel, 

70 " That ship of universal care, the Argo, 
'' Sailing from king ^Eetes' coast : and She 
" Doubtless had there been cast all hurriedly 
" Against the mighty rocks, had not safe passage 
" Been given by Here, from her love to Jason. 
" Two rocks are T/iey; one with its sharp crest reaches 
75 '' To the broad heaven ; and lurid cloud enwraps 
''That crest and leaves it never; never there 
" Clear weather, nor in summer-time nor autumn. 
" Neither may mortal man climb up, or down, 
'' Not had he twent}^ hands and feet, — so smooth, 
'' So polished as it were, is all that rock. 

80 ''In the peak's midst there is a darksome cave 
'^Towards the South- West, facing Erebos: 
" Steer ye your hollow ship, brilliant Odusseus, 
" Straight past that point. Up to that roomy cave 
" Not e'en a strong young man might think to reach 
" Shooting with bow and arrow from his ship. 

Sd " Therein dwells Scylla, whining awfully ; 

" Whose howl forsooth is small as that of puppy 
" But newly whelped, yet she herself, i' faith, 
" Is a huge, ugly monster ; nor would any, 
" Not e'en a god, that should encounter her, 
" Kejoice at such a sight. Her feet are twelve, 

90 " Mis-shapen all ; necks, six, and passing long ; 



BOOK M. 253 

On each a friglitful head ; and in each mouth 
Teeth, triple-set, compact and crowded close, 
Full of black death. Within the hollow cave 
Up to her midst she lies concealed. Without, 
Forth from the dreadful cleft she' thrusts her heads, 
And peering eagerly about the rock. 
There fishes she for dolphins, dog-fish, seals, 
' Or whate'er larger monster she may catch, 
' Such as loud-wailing Amphitrite feeds 
^ In countless shoals. Unharmed past there with ship 
' Never do sailors boast to have made escape ; 
' But with each head she snatches up a man 
' From out his blue-prowed ship and bears him off. 
^ Then the other lowlier rock thou It see, Odusseus, 
^ Hard by together ; may be a bow-shot off : 
^ On This there grows a large wild fig-tree, spreading 
' With leafy boughs- : whereunder, dread Oharybdis 
^ Sucks the dark water down : thrice every day 
^ She throws it up, and thrice again she swallows, 
' Awful ! and Thou, mayst not thou chance thither 
' What time she is sucking down ! for from thy peril 
' Not e'en Who Shakes the Earth might rescue thee ! 
' But close, close nearing to the peak of Scylla, 
' Drive thy ship swiftly past ; for 't is far better 
' To feel the loss of six friends out of the ship 
^ Than to lose all at once." She spake ; whereat 
I answered her : '^ But how, — come, tell me truly 
^ This now, goddess,— if by any chance 
^ I shun and 'scape this mischievous Oharybdis,— 
^ How to ward off the other when she attempts 
' To carry off my comrades." Spake I thus ; 
And she, the fair of goddesses straight answered : 



254 THE ODYSSEr^ XII. 

Easli ! and are thy thoughts all occupied 
Again on warfare, and its toilsome business ? 
And wilt not yield e'en to the immortal gods ? 
And mortal not is She, I'll warrant ye, 
But an undying Mischief, hard and dread, 
Fierce, and in battle not to be overcome, 

120 '* Nor is there any succour : flight is best. 

For shouldst thou tarry by the rock to ann thee, 
She would, I fear, rush forth again to attack thee 
And reach with all her heads and carry off 
Men, all as many. But with vehement speed 
Drive on ; and loud for aid call on Cratseis, 

125 " This Scylla's mother, her who bare this Mischief 
Baneful to mortals. Then will she restrain 
Her from attacking thee thenceforth. To the isle 
Thrinacria then shalt come ; wherein at pasture 
Are the fat flocks and many cows of Helios 
The Sun-god: seven fair herds of cows, and flocks 

130 ^* As many of goodly sheep, and fifty in each : 
No increase have they of progeny ; nor ever 
Waste they away : there tend them goddesses, 
Comely-tressed nymphs, Phaethousa and Lampetia, 
Whom fair Nesera bare to Hyperion, 
High-travelling Helios. Them their lady mother 
Bred and brought up and then despatched from home, 

135 "To sojourn in Thrinacria far away, 

To keep their fathers' flocks and twist-horned cows. 
If These undamaged shalt thou leave, and wisely 
Care for thy home-return, ye may yet come, 
Although through troubles, to your Ithaca : 
But shouldst thou plunder them, then for thy ship 

140 ^' xind comrades too I point thee out sure ruin : 



BOOK M, 255 

** And though perchance Thyself shalt 'scape, yet late 
" And in ill plight, with loss of all thy comrades 
" Shalt thou arrive." She spake : and soon came Eos 
' The golden throned. Then straight away stepped She 
' The fair of goddesses across the isle. 
' And to the ship sped I, and called the crew 
145 * At once to come on board and loose the moorings : 

' On board then came they and sat them on the thwarts, 

* And sitting ranged in order with their oars 

* They smote the surfy sea. And for our speed 

* The wondrous goddess, used to human speech, 
' Comely-tressed Circe, sent to fill our sails 

^ A breeze, right from behind our blue-prowed ship, 
150 ' A tail-wind, fair for speed, a good companion. 

* Throughout the ship all tackle then we arranged 
^ With busy toil and sat us down ; while straight 

' The wind and helmsman kept her. Then, then I, 

* With a sad aching heart, addressed my comrades : 
^' friends ! not fitting is't, but one or two 

" Alone should know the oracular decrees 
155 *' Which Circe, fair of goddesses, has told me : 
^' But tell will I, how that we either perish 
'^ Knowing ; or may by avoidance yet escape 
" From death and violent Doom. First then, she bids us 
" Shun the divinely-tuneful Seirens' voice 
" And flowery meadow : me she bade alone 
160 "To hear their voice : but bind me in heavy bonds 
" Wherein I may not stir, but firm be fixed 
** Upright against the mast-foot, and thereunto 
" Let the rope-ends be fastened : and should I beg 
" And bid you loose me, then in bonds yet more 
'* Press me the closer." Thus each several matter 



256 THE ODYSSEY. XII. 

165 * Thoiig'lit I to tell my comrades : but meanwhile, 
' Rapidly came our strong-built ship to the isle 
' Of the twin Seirens : for the tail-wind kindly 
' Kept speeding us. Then sudden dropt the wind, 

* And there was calm, quite breathless ; and the god 
' Lulled all the waves to rest. Up rose the crew, 

170 ' Furled sails, and laid them by in the hollow ship : 

* Then straightway seated at their oars, they whitened 

* The water with the polished pine-wood blades. 
' A large round cake of bees'-wax then took I, 

' And piece-meal minced it with sharp knife, and squeezed 
' 'Twixt my strong hands : and soon the wax grew soft, 

* For mighty force, and the bright beams of Helios, 
115 ^ Hyperionides the lord of sunshine, 

* Walking on high, were urgent ; and the ears 

* Of all my comrades, one by one, I stopped. 

' Then foot and hand together bound they me 
' Upright against the mast-foot, and thereunto 

* Fastened the rope-ends : seated, then with oars 

180 ' They smote the surfy sea. But when, swift pushing, 
^ Within such distance were we as might be heard 

* One shouting out,— our sea-swift ship, driven onward 
' So near, 'scaped not the notice of the nymphs, 

* Who thus upraised their clear and tuneful song : 
" Far-praised Odusseus ! Come ! hither come, 

" Great glory thou of Achaians ! now bring to, 
185 '^ And stay thy ship, and hear our two-voiced song! 
" For never past This coast has any sailed 
" In his dark ship but first he stayed, to hear 
'^ The song melodious from our mouths : then He, 
'' Joyous he sails, and skilled in greater lore, 
^' For we know all forsooth, yea all the toils 



BOOK M. 257 

" That in broad Troas, by the gods' high will, 
190 " Argives and Trojans suffered : know we too, 
'' Whatever happens on the bounteous Earth." 
' So sang they, uttering forth a most sweet voice ; 
' Then straightway fain to listen was My heart ; 

* And with mine eyebrows signalling I bade 

' My comrades loose me ; but upon their oars 

' Forward they flung themselves, and rowed amain ; 

195 ' And up in haste arose Eurylochus 

' And Perimedes, and with bonds yet more 

[ Bound me and pressed me tighter. Soon as past 

' They 'had driven the bark, where might we hear no longer 

' The Seirens' song, nor yet their voice, forthwith 

' The bees'-wax wherewithal I 'had stopped their ears 

200 * My trusty mates took out, and me again 

' Loosed they from bonds. Now when at length we left 

' That isle behind us, presently I saw 

' Smoke and big waves, and heard a heavy beating : 

* Then flew the oars from out their frightened hands, 
' And downstream all fell rattling ; whereupon 

" ' There was the ship stayed still ; since with their hands 
205 ' They now no longer plied their tapering oars. 
' Then all about the ship, to every man 
^ Went I, and roused the crew with courteous words : 
^' friends, no, nowise yet beyond the experience 
" Of troubles are we : sure not greater mischief 
" Is This now threatens us, than when the Cyclops 
210 '^ Of mighty strength within his hollow^ cave 

" Was cooping ns : and yet, by My brave prow^ess, 
*' And wit and counsel, even thence we escaped : 
" So shall we, I hope, recal at times hereafter 
** These troubles too to mind. But come ye now, 

17 



258 THE ODYSSEY. XII. 

** And witli tliese words of mine comply we all : 
'' You with your oars keep seated on the thwarts, 
215 '^ And smite those surfy breakers of the deep, 
And haply Zeus may grant us now to avoid 
" And 'scape death Here at least. On Thee too, helmsman, 

* Enjoin I this ; — and lay it well to heart, 

^' Since the ship's helm thou handiest ; — steer the ship 
'^ Outside that smoke and heavy swell ; and thou, 
220 '^ Make for the rock, lest unawares to thee 

^' The ship start thence away, and so thou cast us 
'^ Into ill plight." I spake ; and to my words 
' They readily gave all heed. Not yet howe'er 
' Of that unmanageable Mischief, Scylla, 

* Aught said I ; lest my crew should give up rowing 
2^^ ' Through fright, and crowd themselves all close within. 

* And now forsooth of the hard behest of Circe 
' Unmindful was I ; for she 'had bidden me 

' Not to don arms ; but straight donned I my harness, 
' And taking two long spears in hand I stepped 
' Forward upon the foredecks of the ship ; 
230 ' For I expected thence would She of the rock, 

* Scylla, be first seen, thrusting troublous woe 

' Upon my mates. But no where could I spy her : 
' And wearied were mine eyes for peering up 
' And all about upon the darksome rock. 

* Now passing up the strait were we, sore grieving ; 
235 ' For here was Scylla, and there on t' other side 

* Did dread Charybdis swallow awfully 

' The salt sea water. Sure, when she disgorged, 
^ Like caldron on a mighty fire used she 

* To boil all o'er, and throw up troubled mixture ; 
' While foamy spray aloft on either side 



BOOK M. 259 

' Fell on the topmost peaks. But when again 
240 ^ She gulped the sea's salt water, — all within 

* Troubled appeared she again as oft, while the roaring 
' About the rock was horrible ; and below 

* Seen was the earth bare with its dark grey sand ; 

* And Fear, pale Fear seized hold on all who saw. 

* On Eer kept We our eyes, in dread of ruin : 
24:5 * Meanwhile howe'er from out the hollow ship 

* Six comrades Scylla snatched me off, the best 
' For handiness and strength. Having an eye 

* At once about the ship and 'mongst the crew 

* 'T was now I noticed them, — their legs and arms 
' Aloft borne up : and me by name aloud 

250 ' Calling were they, with sore distress of heart, 

* Crying, yea sure, sure for their last time T/ien, 

* As, when for those small fish a fisherman 

* With lengthy rod from an out-jutting cliff 

* Casts down his bait and forward sends its horn, — 

' Its guard of ox-horn, — into the sea ; then, catching, 
' Tosses from out its home the gasping prey ; 
255 ' So, to the rocks were They uplifted gasping ; 

' And there, all shrieking as they were, and stretching 
' Their arms towards me in their mortal struggle, 
' Within her gates began she to devour them. 

* Sure the most piteous That sight was by far 

' That with mine eyes I 've seen, of all the troubles 
' I 've suffered, searching through the salt sea paths. 
260 * Now when we had 'scaped the rocks, both dire Charybdis 

* And Scylla, soon we reached the god's fair island, 

' Wherein were many well-fleshed flocks, and the herds 
' Of comely broad-faced cows of Hyperion 
' The Sun-god, Helios, him who walks above. 



260 THE ODYSSEY. XII. 

Then, e'en at sea heard I, while yet on board, 

265 ' The heifers' bellowing and the bleat of sheep 

' Within their yards : straight rushed into my mind 

* All the prophetic word of the blind seer, 

' Theban Teiresias, and the word of Circe, 

' Who many a time and oft enjoined upon me, 

' To avoid the isle of the mortal-gladdening Helios. 

270 ' Then I with aching heart addressed my comrades : 
'* friends howe'er distressed yet heed my words, 
" While oracles I tell you of Teiresias, 
** And of ^8ean Circe, who was wont 
*' Yea much all earnestly to enjoin upon me, 
'' To avoid the isle of the mortal-gladdening Helios ; 

275 '^ For mischief There most horrible, she declared, 
*' Awaited us. Then past this isle drive on 
" The dusky ship aloof." I spake : but They, 
' Crushed was their very heart. Then answered me 
' Anon with hateful speech Eurylochus : 
^' Hard and unyielding that thou art, Odusseus ; 
'* Thy strength surpasses all, and in thy limbs 

280 " Tirest thou never : sure thou art all of iron, 

'^ Not to permit thy mates, o'erwhelmed with toil 
" And sleep too as they are, to go on shore ; 
'' When in the sea-girt isle a dainty supper 
" Haply we might prepare us ; but nathless 
'' Bidst us keep off the isle and rove away, 

285 '' On the hazy sea throughout the perilous night ; 
'' When night-winds foul arise, the bane of ships. 
" And how might ever a one escape sheer ruin, 
*' Should haply arise some sudden hurricane 
'' Of South or heavy West wind blowing foul, 
" The cause most chiefly of shipwrecks, when the gods 



BOOK M. 261 

290 " Withdraw their sovereign favor ? But comply we 
'' Now with such custom as dark night demands ; 
" Lodge we beside the ship and dress our supper ; 
*' And with the dawn again embark we and launch 
*' To the broad sea." So spake Eurylochus ; 
' And all the others of the crew applauded. 

295 ^ Then, then perceived I that some god was planning 
' Mischief already, and thus in winged words 

* I addressed him : *' Sure, sure now, Eurylochus, 
*' Me, being but one, ye press full hard indeed ; 

*' But come now, swear me all a solemn oath, 
^' That, should we find whether a herd of cows 
300 " Or goodly flock of sheep, not any of ye 

*' With impious folly will slay, no, neither cow 

'* Nor yet a sheep ; but eat ye in peace that food 

'* The deathless Circe gave us." Spake I thus ; 

' Whereat anon they sware, e'en as I bade, 

' To do no damage. Straight, when thus they had sworn, 

* And perfectly completed all the oath, 

305 * In a deep creek we moored the gallant ship, 

* Close to fresh water : outstepped then the crew 

' From ship, and forthwith deftly dressed their supper. 

* Soon as they had put away their appetite 

' For meat and drink, they called to mind and mourned 
' Those dear friends whom from out the hollow ship 
310 * Scylla had snatched and eaten : upon the mourners 

' At length came sound sweet Sleep. When of the night 
' 'T was the third watch, and stars had passed the South, 

* Cloud-gathering Zeus upraised a strong-blowing Wind, 
' With awful hurricane, and veiled with clouds 

* Sea and land tos-ether ; and down from heaven rushed 

sudden 



262 THE ODYSSEY. XII. 



315 



320 



325 



330 



335 



Dark g-loom. But soon as rosy-fingered Eos 

The child of Dawn appeared, we hauled the ship 

And moored her safe within a hollowed cove, 

Where were the assembly-rooms and dance-rings fair 

Of the Nymphs : then of my crew held I a meeting. 

And thus addressed them all : '^ friends, remember ! 

' For in the ship we Ve store of meat and drink ; 

' And from those cows keep we ourselves away, 

' Lest suffer we some damage ; for to a god 

' Awful belong these cows and goodly flocks, — 

' To Helios, who sees all things and hears all." 

I spake : whereat their gallant hearts complied. 

But a whole month the South Wind blew unceasing, 

Nor was there any other Wind, save East 

And South. And they, full fain to save their lives, 

Off kept them from the herds, so long as bread 

Had they and ruddy wine : but when at length 

Utterly were the ship-stores all consumed, 

Then of necessity they roamed about. 

Following the chase, angling with hooks for fish, 

Or after birds, — whate'er might come to hand ; 

And sore distressed by hunger was the belly. 

Then, then went I apart, up the isle, to pray 

To the gods, if haply some of them might shew me 

A way of furtherance homeward. When howe'er. 

Up-walking through the isle, I had 'scaped my comrades, 

Eeaching a nook well-sheltered from the wind 

I washed my hands and prayed to all the gods 

Who occupy Olympus : they, thereat. 

Poured a sweet slumber down upon mine eyelids. 

Eurylochus, meanwhile, with evil counsel 

Thus to the crew began : '^ Hear ye my words, 



BOOK M. 263 

340 " Comrades, howe'er distressed : hateful indeed 
'* Is death, in any shape, to wretched mortals ; 
^' But saddest far, by Hunger, is it to die 
" And meet one's fate. Then come ye, drive we away 
" The best of Helios' cows, and sacrifice ^ . 
"To the Deathless ones who occupy broad heaven. 
345 " And, should we e'er perchance reach Ithaca 
'* Our fatherland, — for Helios Hyperion 
" Who walks on high we '11 straightway build a temple 
*' Costly, and furnish it with many an offering 
" And gallant. If, howe'er, in any wrath 
" About his straight-horned cows, shall he determine 
" To wreck our ship, and the other gods shall also, — 
350 '' I '11 rather gulp the wave and lose my life 
''At once, than linger upon a desert island, 
"And thus be slowly drained out drop by drop." 
' So spake Eurylochus ; and all his mates 
' Thereto agreed. Anon, from near at hand 
' Drave they the choicest of the Sun-god's cows : 
'(For from the blue-prowed ship not far aloof 
355 * The comely, ring-horned herds,broad-faced, were feeding). 
' Then, after gathering from a high-branched oak 
* Supply of tender leaves (for no bright barley 
' Had they on board the ship), about these cows 
' In circle stood they and prayed to the gods above. 
' Soon as they had prayed, and killed and stripped the hides, 
360 ' The hams out cut they and wrapped the caul about them 
' With doubled leaf of lard, and thereupon 
' Piled up raw pieces : neither had they wine 
' For their libation o'er the blazing victims ; 
' But with mere water poured they, as they roasted 

* Pretence of piety ; real disobedience. — See 1 Sam. xy. 15-23. 



264 THE ODYSSEY. XII. 

'AH the inwards. When they had humt the ham-bones 
down, 
And eaten the inner parts, they cut to pieces 

365 ' All of the rest and stuck them on the spits. 
' Then 't was, that from mine eyelids tied away 
' Deep sleep ; and for the sea-shore and the ship 
' Anon I went my way. But when, thus walking, 
' I now was close at hand to the rolling ship, 
* Then all about me came, yea, a sweet smell 
' Of fat burnt sacrifice ; and Oh I wailed 

370 ' And cried out to the deathless gods : *' Zeus, father ! 
** And all ye overliving happy gods ! 
'^ Sure, sure, ye have lulled me by this ruthless sleep 
"To a blind bewilderment! and they, my comrades, 
" During their stay, have schemed a heinous deed !" 
' Swift with the news to Helios Hyperion 

37'5 ' Hasted meanwhile the long-robed nymph Lampetia, 
'That slain had We his cows. All wroth thereat, 
' Anon he addressed the deathless Ones : " Zeus, father ! 
*' And all ye happy overliving gods ! 
" Kevenge now ! on the comrades of Odusseus 
" Laertes' son ! for with high hand they Ve slaughtered 
" My cows ! wherein so oft took I delight, 

380 " While walking upward into the starry heaven, 
" And when again towards the Earth I stooped me 
" In onward course from heaven. But if to me 
" They pay not fully for my loss of cows 
" Fitting requital, down will I to Hades 
" And shine among the dead !" Then answered him 
' And spake cloud-gatherer Zeus : " Thou, shine thou, Helios, 

385 " Both here indeed among us deathless ones, 

" And on the bounteous Earth for dying mortals. 



BOOK M. 265 

* And, as for that swift ship of Theirs, soon hurl 
' Will I, with flashing' bolt, and shatter it 
*To atoms, in the midst of the purple deep !" 
All this heard I from comely-tressed Calypso ; 
And, as she told me, she herself had heard it 
From the guide Hermes. Soon as down to the sea 
And ship I came, to every man in turn 
I went with sharp reproach : but remedy 
Of no sort could we light upon : and dead 
Already were the cows. Full soon hereafter 
On this wise did the gods shew forth strange signs : 
The hides began to crawl ! and on the spits 
The flesh, both roast and raw, began to low ; 
And as of cows came forth a bellowing cry ! — 
Thus then my dear-loved comrades drove away 
The choicest of the Sun-god's cows and feasted 
Six days together : but when Zeus Chronion 
Ordered the seventh day, Then, then ceased to rage 
With hurricane the wind ; whereat hied We 
On board, up fixed the mast, lioised the white sails 
And launched her forth into the vasty deep. 
But when at length we 'had left that isle behind us, 
And now no other land appeared, nor aught 
But heaven and sea, then o'er our hollow ship 
Chronion hung a lurid cloud, whereunder 
Bedarkened was the deep. No great while longer 
Running was then the ship ; for presently 
On came a screaming North West wind, that raged 
With mighty hurricane ; and the whirlwind furious 
Snapped both the forestays, and the mast fell aft, 
And down dropped all the tackle into the hold. 
Upon the poop it struck the helmsman's head. 



266 THE ODYSSEY. XII. 

' And crushed at once the skull-bones all together : 
' Down, like a diver, headlong from the decks 
' He pitched, and the gallant spirit left his bones : 
415 ' Zeus at the same time thundered, and his bolt 

* Down hurled he at the ship, which reeled all quivering 

* Struck by Jove's thunderbolt ; and filled quite full 
' With fumes of brimstone was she, and overboard 

* Fell all the crew. Along upon the waves 

' Bound the dark ship, like sea-crows, borne were they ; 

* And by the god was snatched away from Them 
420 ' Their home-return. But, wandering to and fro, 

' About the ship kept I, until a billow 
' Parted the sides asunder from the keel, 

* And the big wave was driving her dismantled. 
' Anon from out her keel it wrenched the mast, 

' With backstays, wrought of ox-hide, thrown upon it : 
' Wherewith I lashed them both, the keel and mast 
425 * Together ; and upon them sat me down, 
' And thus by foul winds was I borne along. 

* Then ceased the sweeping gale with hurricane 

' From North West ; but a South wind brisk came on, 
^ Bringing me sad distress of heart, lest haply 
^ Yet again should I measure the same course 
' To That all-mischievous Charybdis. On, 
430 ^ Thus carried was I all the night, and reached, 
' At sun-rise, Scylla's peak and dread Charybdis. 
' The salt sea water swallowed She indeed : 
^ But I, I raised me aloft, to that long figtree 
' And clung to it, cleaving like a bat : but footing 
' Firm no-where could I get, nor yet climb up : 

* For far off stood the rooted stem ; and hovering 
43o ' The branches hung aloof, both large and long, 



BOOK M. 267 

* And shadowed o'er Charybdis. But still fast 

* Clinging I kept, till back she might disgorge 

' The mast and keel again : and, to me longing, 
' Welcome they came, at last. Abont the time, 
' When for his evening meal a magistrate 

* Eises from sessions-court, where he decides 
440 ' Many a law- strife 'twixt hot litigants ; 

' Then at length 't was, that forth from out Charybdis 
^ Those timbers came to. light. And I, to gain them, 
^ Down from above let feet and both hands go, 

* And fell with heavy splash plump in the midst 
' Along the lengthy timbers, whereupon 

* I sat me, and rowed away with These, my hands. 
445 ' And Scylla, no, the sire of men and gods 

* No longer let her spy me ; or, indeed, 

* Ne'er had I 'scaped a sure and utter ruin. 

' Thus was I thence for nine days borne along, 
' And on the tenth night at the isle Ogygia 
^ The gods vouchsafed to land me ; where resides 
' An awful goddess, comely-tressed Calypso, 
450 ' Of human speech ; who kindly entertained 
' And tended me. But this all word for word 
' Why tell I thee ? for sure indeed already 
' To thee and thy good consort, here in the palace 
^ But yesterday, did I rehearse* the tale : 
^ And to Me hateful is it to tell again 

* All word for word a tale once told full plain.'* 

* See Book vii. line 253. 



268 THE ODYSSEY. XIII. 



ARGUMENT OF THE THIRTEENTH BOOK. N. 

His tales ended, Odusseus receives yet more gifts from the Pliseaciaiis. 
Their ship conveys him to Ithaca, vs^here the sailors land him while fast 
asleep, and leave him and all his chattels on the shore. Their returning 
ship is turned to stone hy Poseidon in his wrath. Athene consults with 
Odusseus about slaying the suitors : he conceals his chattels in a cave ; 
and, that he may not be recognized by any one, Athene changes him into 
a ragged old beggar. 

NU: how Odusseus reaches Ithaca, 



He spake : whereat were they all still, and silent, 
Held by enchantment in the dusky halls. 
At length Alcinoos answered him, and said : 
^^ Much howsoe'er, Odusseus, hast thou endured, 

* Yet with no wandering such again, I ween, 

5 ^ Shalt thou return home hence, since here thou hast reached 
' My brass-floored, high-roofed palace. And on each 
' Of You, my lords, all ye who are ever wont 

* Within my hall to drink the cup of honor, 
' The sparkling wine, and listen to the bard, 
' On each man this behest do I fain enjoin : 

' Stored in a fair-wrought coffer for our guest 
10 ^ Already lies the raiment, refined gold, 
^ And all, what other gifts soe'er, the lords 
' Phseacian counsellors have brought him hither : 
' But come now, man by man, let us also give him 

* A caldron and large tripod : and a gathering 



?ooK jy. ^69 

' We '11 make us through the land, and so repay us 
' The price again thereof; for burdensome 

15 ' 'T were for a single one to give such gifts 
* Freely without return." So spake Alcinoos, 
And his word pleased them well. Their ways now went they 
Each to his home for bed. And when appeared 
Kose-fingered Eos, sprung from the womb of Dawn, 
Down to the ship they sped and brought their gifts 
Of gallant brass. All which with careful hand 

20 His sacred mightiness the king Alcinoos, 

Himself going o'er the ship, stowed safely down 
Under the benches, where they might not hinder 
Any of the crew Avhen briskly plying their oars. 
To Alcinoos' halls then went they, and straight began 
To make the banquet ready. And for their feast 
His sacred mightiness, the King Alcinoos, 

25 Slaughtered an ox, and sacrificed to Zeus, 

Cloud-enwrapped Chronides, who reigns o'er all. 

The thigh-bones burnt they, and at the all-glorious feast 

Good cheer they made and feasted, while before them 

Chanted Demodocus, the Bard divine. 

Honored of all the people ; but to the sun. 

Yet brightly beaming, kept Odusseus often 

30 Turning his head, all wistful for the setting ; 
For eager was he now to be returning. — 
As, longing is a ploughman for his supper, 
When all day long before him through the fallow 
His tawny beeves have pulled the strong-built plough, 
And unto him welcome is the going down 
Of the sun's light, that he may attack his supper, 

35 For sorely lamed for walking are his knees ; 
So was the sunset welcome unto Odusseus. 



270 THE ODYSSEY. XIII. 

To the Phseacian long-oar-loving princes 
Anon lie spake, but shewed to Alcinoos chiefly 
The matter of his speech : '' Mighty Alcinoos, 
Great joy of all thy people ! Now libation 
Pour ye, and speed me scatheless forth : and ye, 
40 * Farewell ! for now my very heart's desires 
Are brought to pass, escort and kindly gifts ; 
The which to me, may the heavenly gods 
Make prosperous ! and reach home may I and find 
My spotless wife, and friends all sound and safe ! 
And here, may ye continue still to gladden 
45 * Your wedded wives, and children : and may never 
Aught foul befal your land !" He spalie : whereat 
Approved they all and urged, how such a guest, 
Who spake so fair, should have fair parting speed. 
To a Serjeant thus then spake his mightiness 
The king Alcinoos : " Mix a bowl, Pontonoos, 
.50 ' And bear wine round to every one in hall, 

' That we may pray to father Zeus, and straight 
' To his own fatherland speed forth our guest." 
He spake : forthwith Pontonoos mixed a bowl 
Of pleasant wine, and bare it round in turn 
To all the guests : then, keeping yet their seats, 
6^ They poured libations to the happy gods 

Who occupy broad heaven : but prince Odusseus 
Rose from his place, and put the twin-cupped goblet 
Into Arete's hands, then thus addressed her 
And spake in winged words : ^' Farewell, Queen, 
' Farewell for aye, till e'en shall come old age 
60 ' And death, those sure intruders on mankind. 
' Returning now am I : and Thou, be joyful 
' Here in thy home, thy children, and thy people. 



BOOK N. 271 

' And in the king Alcinoos." Saying thus, 

The prince Odusseus turned to cross the threshold.— 

To escort him down to the sea-shore and the ship 

65 His mightiness Alcinoos ordered forth 
A herald with him : with him also Arete 
Sent women slaves : one with a fresh-washed clo ak 
And tunic ; and a second bade she with him 
To bear the close-packed coffer : and another 
With bread and ruddy wine. Soon as they had reached 

70 The sea and ship, forthwith the gallant crew 

Keceived and stowed them, all the meat and drink, 
Down in the hollow galley : and by the stern 
Over the ship's hold spread they for Odusseus 
Both rug and linen on the deck, that soundly 
There might he sleep : on board then went he himself 

75 And laid him down in silence : on the thwarts 
Now sitting were the oarsmen all in order, 
While from its loop-holed stone was loosed the cable : 
Then, bending backward, with their oar-blades briskly 
Soon were they throwing up the briny sea. 
On I[i?n anon there fell upon his eyelids 

80 Deep sleep, in very death's most near resemblance, 
Unwakeful sleep, most sweet. The ship meanwhile. 
As 'twere a four-horse chariot-team of stallions 
Upon a level plain ; harnessed together. 
Together all urged on by stroke of whip, 
Bounding with lofty pace, they tear along 
And swiftly achieve their course ; e'en so, curvetting, 

S5 Uplifted was her stern, while from behind 

Eushed the far-sounding sea's big purple wave. 
And sure she ran with steadiness unfaltering : 
With her might never a circling hawk keep pace 



272 THE ODYSSEY. XIII. 

Nimblest of winged fowls ; so cleft she swiftly 
The billows of the sea, and ran along, 
Carrying on board The Man of godlike parts. 
90 He, who aforetime had indeed endured 

Full many a heart-pang, through the toils of war 
With foemen, and through troubles on the wave. 
Was now, was now at least, all calmly sleeping, 
Oblivious of whatever by -gone toils.— 
When overhead stood the brightest star that shines, 
95 Chief harbinger to announce the light of Eos, 

Then 'twas, the sea-borne ship drew near the island. - 

There is in Ithaca a certain harbour. 

Sacred to Phorcys, Ancient of the sea ; 

Two headland shores jut out beyond the harbour, 

Abrupt, and there converge ; whereby they shelter 

Against foul winds and heavy swell outside : 

100 Within, when once they reach the harbour's measure, 
Safe, without mooring-rope lie trim-built ships. 
Now at the harbour's upper end there grows 
A long-leafed olive-tree, and near thereunto 
A lovely darksome grotto, sacred haunt 
Of Nymphs, the Naiads as they are called ; wherein 

lOo Large mixing-bowls there are, and twin-eared jars. 
Of stone : and bees build there their tiny cells : 
Therein are also looms right long and large 
Of stone, whereat the Nymphs weave raiment-cloth, 
Dyed with sea-purple, wondrous to behold. 
Therein are also waters ever-welling : 
Two entrances it has ; one to the North, 

110 Whereby may men come down ; and to the South 
Is the other, rather for the gods : and never 
Do men come in by that, but 'tis the path 



BOOK N. ^ 273- 

Only of tlie Deathless ones. Tliither tins crew, 
Knowing the point aforetime, now rowed in : 
Then ran she aground, up to full half her length 
With rapid speed ; urged as she was by the hands 

115 Of Suck stout oarsmen. From their well- trimmed thwarts 
Stepping ashore first lifted they Odusseus 
From out the hollow ship, with glossy rug 
And linen all as 't was, and there they laid him. 
Yet fast o'ercome by sleep, down on the sand : 
His chattels then outlifted they, those tokens, 
Which, through the mighty-souled Athene's grace, 

120 The gay Phseacians gave to accompany him 
On his returning home. And these in a heap 
Beside the root of the olive tree they laid 
Out of the path, lest some chance passenger 
Might come that way, and ere Odusseus wake. 
Might plunder him. Then straight for home again 
They started on their way. Meanwhile howe'er, 

125 The Shaker of the Earth was not forgetful 

Of all those threats wherewith erewhile he had threatened 

Godlike Odusseus : then to Zeus he went 

To enquire his will : '* Zeus, father ! nevermore 

' Among the deathless gods shall I forsooth 

^ Be held in honor, since no sort of honor 

' Do mortals give me, not e'en those Phseacians, 

130 * Yea they, who have their very race from me ! 
' For here now, thinking was I that Odusseus 
' Should suffer many a trouble in reaching home : 
' And never was I for bereaving him, 
' Utterly, of return, since erst thereto 
' Gav'st Thou thy promise and assenting nod. 
' But o'er the deep have T/iey in their nimble ship 

18 



274 THE ODYSSEY. Xlll. 

135 ' Conveyed him while asleep and set him down 
' In Ithaca, and given him gifts past tale, 

* Copper, and heaps of gold, and woven apparel ; 

* More, than had e'er Odusseus carried off 
' For his allotted share of spoil from Troy, 

' E'en had he come all scatheless." In reply 
Then answered him cloud-gatherer Zeus : '' strange, 
140 ' How say'st, thou mighty Shaker of the Earth ! 

* In no dishonor do the gods hold Thee : 

* And grievous 't were indeed, with disrespect 

* To assail the most time-honored and the best ! 

* But, among men, if any one there be 

* Who, trusting in his bodily strength and might, 

* Dishonors Thee, — still hast thyself the power 
145 ' Of vengeance yet hereafter. Do thy will, 

' And whatsoe'er comes pleasant to thy heart." 
Straight then the Shaker of the Earth, Poseidon, 
Answered him : " 1 forsooth would quickly do, 
'^0 Cloud- wrapt, as thou say'st ; but to thine anger 
' I ever have regard, and seek to avoid it. 

* But, as for this fine ship of the Phseacians 
150 ' Returning from her escort, now I Will, 

* Yea, wreck her in the hazy deep ; whereby 

* Henceforth may they behave themselves, and cease 
^ Thus to escort men home : and a huge mountain 

' I 'n heave about their town." * Then answered him 
Cloud-gatherer Zeus : ^' To my mind, my Pet, 

* Best seems it thus methinks ; when from their town 
155 ' The people all are looking forth and spy 

* The home-bound coming ship,— then, near the land, 
' Turn her to stone, in likeness of a ship ; 

* See Book viii. 565-570. 



BOOK JV. 2vJ 

' That at the sight may all men gaze with wonder ; 
' And heave your mighty momitain about their town." 
Forthwith, Poseidon, Shaker of the Earth, 

160 At hearing This, went straight his way to Scheria, 
Where the Phseacians dwell : there he remained ; 
Till soon that sea-borne ship, urged rapidly. 
Came passing nigh : whereat to Her went nigh 
The Shaker of the Earth ; who, with his hand 
Palm downward, struck and turned her into stone * 
And rooted her below ; and went his way. 

165 Meanwhile, among themselves, in winged words 
They, those Phseacian long-oar-loving men, 
Famous for ships, began to talk : anon. 
Eyeing his nearest mate, spake some one thus : 
** Alas ! now who has checked the ship, and made her 
' Fast in the deep, urged home-bound as she was ? 
^ And all in sight already was she plain." 

170 Such was their talk : but how the matter was, 

They knew not. Then amongst them spake Alcinoos 
And said : *' strange ! sure, sure, at length upon me 

* Are come to pass those ancient oracles, 

^ "Whereof my father spake, — who used to say 

* How that Poseidon was full wroth with us, 
^ Because we give safe escort kind to all. 

175 * He said, how on the hazy deep would He, 

* Sure sometime, wreck a right fair gallant ship 
j" ^ Of the Phseacian men, in home-bound passage 

'After such escort ; and would quickly heave 

* A mighty mountain to enshroud our Town. 

' Such was the old man's talk ; and here at length 

* Off the coast of Corfu tliere is, to this day, a rock upstanding in the rude resem- 
blance of a ship, still called " Odusseus' Ship." 



276 THE ODYSSEF. XIII. 

' T is all upon accomplisliment : but come, 
180 ' Comply we all with this that I would say : 

' Henceforth have done with giving further escort 
'To any mortal that may haply come 
' A suppliant to our Town : and to Poseidon 
' Twelve bulls, choice beasts, we '11 sacrifice, in hope 
* He may have pity and Not heave round our Town 
' A lofty mountain -ridge." He spake : and they 
185 In fear, prepared the bulls. To king Poseidon 

Thus offering prayers were they, the guardian princes 
And chiefs of the Phseacians' land, and standing 
About his altar. Out of sleep meanwhile 
Awaked the prince Odusseus, — out of sleep 
In his own fatherland ! the which he knew not. 
So long had he been absent : for the goddess 

190 Pallas Athene, daughter of mighty Zeus, 
Shed an encircling haze, that he therein 
Might make himself unknowable and might con 
Each several matter : so that neither wife, 
Nor citizens, nor friends might recognize him, 
Until the suitors should have paid the price 
Of all their wanton riot. Thus all things seemed 

195 Strange, different-looking to the lord and master ; — 

The long, straight roads ; the creeks with friendly harbors ; 
Steep rocks ; luxuriant trees. Then up he started 
And stood and gazed — upon his fatherland. 
Then wailed he aloud and with his hands, palm down, 
Smote himself on his thighs, and mournfully 

200 Outspake this word : '^ Ah me, alas ! where am I, 
' And to what mortals' land now have I come ? 
* These people ? and are they violent and unmannered 
' And wild ? or are they kindly hospitable, 



BOOK JV. 277 

* And of a heart with fear towards the gods ? 

' Whither too am I bringing all these chattels ? 
' And for myself, — Ah, whither am I wandering? 
205 ^ 'Would they 'had remained with those Phseacians yonder, 
' And that at last I 'had reached some puissant prince, 
' Who would have welcomed me and sped me home ! 

* But now I know not either where to stow them, 

* Nor must I leave them there forsooth behind me, 
' Lest haply they become a spoil for others. 

' Shame ! not thoughtful, no, nor mannerly 
210 'At all, were those Phseacian dukes and lords 

* For carrying me away to some strange land ! 

' They Said indeed, how they were going to bring me 

* Home to fair, far-seen Ithaca ; but not 

' So have they done. May Zeus, the watchful Guardian 
' Of suppliants, punish them, e'en as he keeps 
' An eye on other men and punishes 

215 ' Whoe'er does wrong. But come, I '11 count these chattels, 
' And see if aught thereof they 've taken from me 
' Away in the hollow ship." So saying, he counted 
The caldrons, the fair tripods, and the gold. 
And beauteous woven apparel : nought howe'er 
Missed he thereof: but sighing for fatherland 
He mourned with many a tearful lamentation, 

220 As with a crawling step he paced the shore 

Of the far-sounding sea. Anon drew near him 
Athene, in bodily form like unto a youth, 
A tender shepherd, such as are the sons. 
Gentle, of sovereign lords : a fair-wrought robe 
Doubled about her shoulders wore she, and sandals, 

225 Beneath her glossy feet, and in her hand 
A javelin. Joyful at the sight of her 



278 THE ODYSSEf. XIII, 

Was then Odusseus, and went straight to meet her, 
Accosted her, and spake with winged words : 
* friend ! since first and foremost in this country 
I chance with thee, All health ! and may'st thou not 
Meet me with any manner of ill-intent ! 

230 ' But save these things from damage, and save Me : 
For I, I entreat thee, e'en as would I a god, 
And come a suppliant to thy friendly knees. 
And tell me truly, for I fain would know, 
What land is this ? AVhat people ? of men what race 
Dwells here ? And is 't some fair and far-seen isle ? 
Or is 't some shore of fertile mainland glebe 

235 ' That lies thus sloping to the sea?" The goddess, 
Bright-eyed Athene answered him forthwith : 
' A child, stranger, art thou, or thou hast come 
From afar off, if really art thou inquiring 
About This land : no, not so utterly 
' Is 't nameless and unknown ; but knowledge of it 

240 ' Have very many, all indeed who dwell 

Towards the Morning and the mid-day Sun, 
And those behind, towards the darksome West. 
'T is rough indeed, unfit for driving horses. 
But not a soil quite poor, although not large. 
For bread-corn grows herein, past power of telling, 

245 ' And wine is plenteous. Eain is frequent here. 
And dew abundant : pasture good it has 
For goats and beeves ; all kinds of woodland also, 
And watering-places are there, ever-welling. 
Wherefore the name of Ithaca forsooth 
Keaches, stranger, yea even unto Troy, 
Which from Achaia is, they say, full far." 

250 She spake : whereat the patient prince Odusseus 



BOOK iV. 279 

Was glad, rejoicing in his fatherland, 
For that so told him had Athene Pallas, 
Daughter of J]]gis-bearing Zeus : anon, 
In winged words accosting her he spake ; 
Not truth howe'er told He, but kept the while 
Gainsaying it, ever turning in his breast 
2oo A very wily thought : ^' Far o'er the sea, 
' Yea, e'en in spacious Crete, I used to hear 

* Of Ithaca forsooth ; and so, 'tis thither 

* Now am I come myself with all these chattels ; 

* Yet with my children have I left as much ; 

' And come, a fugitive ; for that I have slain 
' Idomeneus' dear son, Orsilochus, 
260 ' Fleet-footed, who in spacious Crete was wont 

* For swiftness in the foot-race to surpass 

' Those enterprising men. Him did I slay, 

' For that he would have robbed me of all my spoil, 

' That Trojan spoil, for sake of which I had suffered 

* So many a pang at heart, through troublous waves, 

* And battle-fields of men. For not indeed 
265 * To gratify His father was I in service, 

' On the Trojans' land, but was a Chief o'er others, 
' My comrades : Him returning from his field 

* I, with a friend, waylaid hard by his path, 

* And slew with brass-tipped spear. A night, full dark, 

* Closed in upon the sky, and never a mortal 
270 ' Was there that noted us : unseen, unnoticed 

* I took away his life. When with sharp weapon 

* Him had I slain, forthwith went I to a ship, 

* And there besought the crew of gay Phoenicians ; 
' And, to their liking, gave them of my booty : 

' Then bade I them convey me down to Pylos, 



280 THE ODYSSEY. XIII. 

275 ' And set me ashore, or else at sacred Elis, 

' Where the Epeians rule. But a strong gale 

' Thrust them away from thence right out of course 

* And sorely against their will ; nor any wish 

* Had they to cheat. And thus driven wandering thence 
^ Here we arrived at night, when with all haste 

280 ' Into the creek we rowed ; and never a thought 
' Took we for supper, craving howso much ; 

* But from the ship outstepped we, as we were, 

* And there all laid us down. On me fatigued 

' Soon came sweet Sleep : from out the ship meanwhile 

* My chattels took they and laid here down on the sands, 
^ E'en where myself was lying. Up then on board, 

285 ' Away for Sidon's pleasant land went they, 
■ While left behind am I with aching heart." 
He spake : whereat the Bright-eyed goddess smiled. 
And with her hand caressed him ; then became she 
In figure like a woman, comely and tall. 
And skilled in beauteous handiworks ; anon, 

290 She addressed him thus in winged words and said : 
" A passing wily one were he, and shrewd, 
' Who in any kind of tricks might out-wit thee, 

* E'en were 't a god should think to match himself. 

* Unflinching ! subtle, insatiate of sly tricks ! 

* And didst thou not, not here in thine own land, 
' Think to leave off these wily ways and quibbles, 

295 ' Which from thy heart's core are so dear to thee ? 
' But come, no longer talk we thus, all skilled 

* As we both are in shrewdness : for indeed 

* Of all mankind by far the best art Thou 

* In ready speech and wit ; and famed am I 

' 'Mongst all the gods for wisdom and for shrewdness. 



BOOK N. 281 

And Tkou, didst Thou not know Athene Pallas 
Jove's daughter, me, who in all thy many troubles 
Stand ever at thy side, thy watchful guardian ? 
And also made thee an acceptable guest 
To all of the Phseacians. Now too again, 
Hither I'm come, to weave with thee some plan. 
And hide these chattels, which through prudent counsel 
And thought of Mine the gay Phseacians gave 
To accompany thee upon thy homebound passage : 
And tell thee will I, how full many a trouble 
'T is destined thee to endure in thy fair palace : 
But Thou, Bear up, e'en of necessity ; 
And say not out to any one at all. 
Or man or woman, wherefore hast thou arrived 
A wanderer hither ; but men's violent dealings 
Take silently, and suffer many a pang." 
Straight answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
' Hard matter 't were, at meeting thee, goddess, 
For mortal, howso cunning, to know Tkee; 
For fashion'st thou thyself to any likeness. 
Yet This full well wist I, how that to me 
Wast kind aforetime, while at Troy were we 
Sons of Achaians carrying on the war. 
But when Priam's lofty Town we had sacked, and gone 
Off in our ships, and the angry god had scattered 
The Achaian host, not Then did I note Thee, 
daughter of Zeus ! nor saw thee on board my ship 
To ward off trouble from me in any way. 
But with a heart aye torn within this breast 
A wanderer was I unceasing, till the gods 
Gave me release from trouble ; until at least 
In the fat land of those Phseacian men 



282 THE ODYSSEY. XIII. 

' Thyself both gav'st me courage by thy words, 
' And wast my guide and ledst me into the Town. 

* But now at thy knees I implore thee, by thy Sire, 
825 ' Tell me (for no thought have I to have reached 

* Fair, far-seen Ithaca ; but surely I tread 

' Some other land ; and thou, I fear, speak'st thus 
' To taunt me and cheat my heart) ; tell me. Have I 

* Really reached here mine own dear fatherland ?" 
Straight answered him Athene, bright-eyed goddess : 

330 " A thought, just ever such, is in thine heart ! 

* Thee therefore, no, I cannot, cannot leave 

* Thus wretched ; for that courteous art thou and shrewd 

* And prudent. For with eager joy forsooth 

' Would any other man, returned from wandering, 
' Be fain to see in the house his wife and children : 
335 ' But Thee not yet does 't please to know or learn 
' Or hear, until at least thou hast made some proof 
^ Yet of Thy wife ; who sits within thy halls 

* Just as she did : and all her nights and days, 
' Dreary to her, are passed away in tears. 

^ Yet This ne'er doubted I, but in my heart 

' Was sure, how after losing utterly 
340 ^ All of thy mates, thou shouldst return again. 

' But to contend against my father's brother, 

' Poseidon, never a wish had I forsooth ; 

'And in his heart a bitter grudge against thee 

' Has He laid up, wroth at thy having blinded, 

' Utterly blinded, his dear son. But come, 

' The land of Ithaca I'll point thee out, 
345 * That so may'st have full trust. Now here, this creek 

* Belongs to Phorcys, Ancient of the Sea: 

' Here, at the creek's head is the long-leafed olive : 



BOOK N, 283 

' Hard by it, too, the lovely darksome grot, 

' Grot sacred to the Nymphs, who are called the Naiads, 

* This is that roomy vaulted cave, where Thou 
350 * Wast wont to offer many a hecatomb 

* And perfect, unto the Nymphs : clad with its woods 
'This is mount Neritos." So saying*, the goddess 
Scattered the mist ; the Land appeared. Whereat 
Glad was the much-enduring prince Odusseus, 
Glad in his own soil ; and the bounteous earth 

355 He kissed, and straightway, lifting up his hands, 

Prayed to the Nymphs : " Nymphs, daughters of Zeus, 

* Ye Naiads ! nevermore thought I forsooth 

* To come in sight of you ! but now, all Hail ! 

' With loving vows I greet you ; and soon, gifts also 

* We '11 give, e'en as of old ; if graciously 

' Jove's plunder-driving Daughter will but suffer 
360 ' Me yet to live, and rear to me my son 

* To man's estate." Straight spake to 'him then the goddess 
Bright-eyed Athene : ** Be thou of right good cheer! 

' Let not such thoughts as these weigh on thy heart ! 

* But come, these chattels lay we now at once 

* Within the sacred cave's inmost recess, 

* That They at least may be in safety for thee. 
365 * And let us here consider with ourselves 

' How best our course may be." So saying, the goddess 
Entered the darksome cave, and all about it 
Searched for its hiding places, while Odusseus 
To hand kept bringing all, — the fair-wrought raiment, 
The imperishable brass, and gold, — those gifts 
370 From the Phaeacians : thus all carefully 

He laid them up ; and against the cavern's mouth 
Pallas, the daughter of ^Egis-bearing Zeus, 



284 



THE ODYSSEY. XIII. 



Athene, laid a stone : then sitting both 
Down at the root of the sacred olive-tree, 
There planned they ruin for the o'erweening suitors. 
And foremost thus began the bright-eyed goddess 
37o Athene : " Jove-sprung Laertiades, 

* Odusseus ever-ready ! now bethink thee 

^ How to lay hands upon those shameless suitors, 
' Who for these three years past are lording it 
Throughout thy palace, wooing thy graceful consort, 
' And offering marriage-gifts : and she, the while, 
' Ever with sighs at heart for thy return, 
380 ' With hope indeed feeds all, and to each man 
' Makes promises, and sends them messages ; 

* But bent full otherwise is all her mind." 
Then answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
^' strange ! now sure was I about to die 

* The sad death of Atreides Agamemnon 

' Within my palace,— hadst not thou, goddess, 
385 ' Thus aptly told me all ! But come, contrive 
' Some plan, how I on them may take revenge ; 

* And at my side stand thou thyself, and give me 
' Bold courage, such as when undoing were we 

' Those brilliant coronets of Troy, — her towers. 

' wouldst thou, Bright-eyed, stand so fast beside me, 

^ Yea, Lady goddess, I with Tbee forsooth 

390 ' Would fight against three hundred enemies, 
' Whene'er with ready soul thou helpest me." 
Then answered him Athene, bright-eyed goddess : 
" Yea, verily will I, I '11 be at thy side ; 
' Nor shalt thou escape my care, when we are at work 
' Upon this business : and I 'm fain to think 

395 ' Some of those gallant suitors, who devour 



BOOK N. 285 

* And waste tliy means, shall with their blood and brains, 
' Aye beyond telling*, foul the face of the earth. 

' But come, I '11 make thee unknowable to all men : 
' The fair skin on thy pliant limbs I '11 shrivel ; 
' Thine auburn hair I '11 loose from off thy head ; 
' And cast about thee such a tattered garb, 
400 ' As whoso sees thee wear shall loathe the sight : 

* Thine eyes too, that are hitherto so comely, 

* Will I disfigure ; so to all the suitors 

' May'st seem unseemly, and to thy wife, and son, 
' Him whom thou left'st behind thee in thy halls. 
^ But first and foremost go thou to the swineherd, 

* Him who is chief custodian of thy hogs, 
405 ' And has at once for thee all kindly thoughts, 

' And loves thy son and shrewd Penelope. 

* Him shalt thou find abiding with the swine. 

* Along the cliff of Corax, unto the Spring 
' Of Arethusa, are they driven for pasture, 

* And eat their fill of acorns there, and drink 

* The darkling water, and 't is this that fattens 

410 * And puts exuberant lard on the hogs. There stay ; 

* Abide with liim and question him of all. 

' And I '11 be gone meanwhile to Sparta's land, 
' Land of fair women, and from thence, Odusseus, 

* Will summon thy dear son Telemachus ; 

* For gone is he to roomy Lacedsemon, 

' To Menelatis' court, in search for tidings 
415 ' Of thee, if haply shouldst thou yet be alive." 
Straight answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
'' And why then thou, knowing all things in thy mind, 
' Why didst not tell him ? Is 't that He, He also, 
' May be perchance a wanderer, suffering hardship, 



286 THE ODYSSEY. XIII. 

' Upon tlie fruitless deep ? and his estate 

* Others the while are eating ! " Whereupon, 
420 Thus answered him Athene, briglit-eyed goddess : 

*' Now let not thought for Him so trouble thee : 

* Myself escorted him, that he might win 

* A gallant name to 'himself by going thither : 

* And trouble of no sort has he ; but at ease 

* Sits in Atreides' halls, where untold plenty 
425 ' Is put before him. Youths indeed there are, 

' On board their dark ship, lying in ambush for him, 
' And bent on slaying him, ere he reach again 

* His fatherland : but not of this forsooth 

' Have I much fear ; sooner indeed shall the earth 

* Cover these Wooers, who thus eat up thy living, 
' Cover yea every man." Anon, saying thus, 

430 Athene touched him with her wand : she withered 
First the fair flesh upon his pliant limbs : 
Then loosed the auburn hair from off his head. 
And of an old, old man the leathery skin 
Put she on all his limbs ; and both his eyes, 
So comely heretofore, she bleared : then cast 
A strange, all-tattered garb and sorry frock 

435 Eagged and filthy about him, all besmutched 

With squalid smoke : about him too she wrapped 

A stag's hide, large, worn out of all its hair : 

Staff too she gave him, and unseemly scrip 

All ragged, with a strap for hanging it. 

The two, thus having schemed their plan, disparted ; 

When to fair Sparta's land without delay 

440 To fetch Odusseus's son went She her way. 



BOOK B. 287 



ARGUMENT OF THE FOURTEENTH BOOK. H. 

Odusseus, seeming a poor old beggarman, goes to Eumseus : who, thougli 
by birth, a nobleman, is his swineherd. Eumeeus kindly receives him: 
and, during their talk together, mention being made of Odusseus, the 
pretended beggar asserts that he will speedily return home. Eumseus 
cannot believe such good tidings ; and further, expresses great fear lest 
Telemachus should be slain by the suitors. The beggar, on being asked 
his history, tells a long tale of wanderings, and how and where he 
heard of Odusseus being on his way home. But Eumseus is still quite 
incredulous. How, it being a very cold night, Odusseus borrows a cloak. 

XI skews Odusseus at Ms swineherd's cot: 
Eumeeus entertains him : their discourse. 



Straight from the creek up a rough path went He 
Along the cliff-tops, through the wooded spot, 
The ^ay whereby Athene had bid him find 
His noble swineherd ; who, of all the menials 
That prince Odusseus owned, was wont to take 
Best care of his estate. Within his porch 
5 Him he found sitting ; where the high-fenced yard 
Was built both large and goodly, running round, 
In a far-seen spot : in the absence of his lord, 
And without aid or order of his mistress 
Or old Laertes, had the swineherd built it, 
Of his own cost, for swine : with stones dragged thither 
10 And thorny plants a-top he had fenced it in. 

Stakes, heart of oak, for the outside had he rifted, 



288 



THE ODYSSEY. XIV. 



And driven them throughly about both close and thick. 
Within the yard, twelve hogsties, lairs for swine, 
He 'had made, each near to other ; and in each 
Were fifty grovelling swine, all breeding sows, 

15 Apart shut up. On the outside lay the boars. 

Far fewer ; for these the gallant suitors 'minished, 
By their perpetual banquets ; as the swineherd 
Was ever sending forth the choicest one 
Of all the fatted hogs. But yet of these 

20 Three hundred and three score there were ; and by them 
Four dogs there always slept, fierce as wild beasts. 
Which the chief master swineherd reared and trained. 
Busy was he, a-cutting ox-hide leather, 
Well-tanned, and fitting sandals to his feet. 
Their several ways were the other herdsmen gone, 

2o Three with the droves of swine ; and to the Town 
The fourth one, of necessity, he had sent 
To drive a fatted hog for the saucy suitors. 
That they might sacrifice withal, and feast 
On fleshmeat to their heart's content. On sudden, 
The ever-barking yard-dogs spied Odusseus ; 

30 And at him ran they yelling ; but Odusseus 

Cunningly squatted down ; and dropped the staff 
From out his hand. There then a grief unseemly 
At his own farm-stead had he surely suffered. 
Had not the swineherd rushed from out the porch, 
And followed close and swift with all his legs : 
The leather dropped he from his hand ; then shouting 

35 Pelted the dogs away, one here, one there, 

With a thick shower of stones ; and thus addressed 
His master : '* now sure. Old man, my dogs 
' But narrowly have missed of tearing thee 



BOOH S. 289 

* To pieces all on sudden ; and so upon me 

'Hadst thou brought down reproach. And sure the g'ods 

* Have given me woes enough and sighs already : 
40 ' For for my godlike lord I sit and mourn 

' In sadness ; and fat hogs for Others' eating 
' Do I rear : while He, longing perhaps for food, 

* Is driven a wanderer unto a land and Town 

* Of foreigners, if haply yet he lives 

' And sees the light of the sun. But follow me 

45 ' Into my hut, Old man, and satisfy thee 

' Freely to heart's content with bread and wine, 

' And tell me then, whence art thou, and what the troubles 

' Thou hast undergone." So saying, the noble swineherd 

Led onward to the cottage, took him in . 

And seated him, and strewed him for his berth 

Brushwood all thick with leaves, whereon he spread 

50 A shaggy wild goat's skin, thick-haired and large, 
Whereon to bed him : glad was then Odusseus 
For that his host so kindly welcomed him : 
This word then spake he and gave it utterance loud : 
" May Zeus and all the deathless gods, host, 
' Grant thee what thing soe'er thou most desirest ! 
' For that with such kind soul thou hast welcomed me."" 

55 Then answeredst thou, swineherd, kind Enmgeus I 
" Stranger, not fit nor right is 't I should treat 
' A stranger lightly, not e'en should one come 
^ In uglier plight than thou : for strangers all 
' And mendicants are under Jove's protection: 
' But small is a gift of Ours, howe'er so kindly : 
' For this is evermore the way with serfs, 

60 * Always afeared, when over them are masters 

■ As these young men : for sure> sure have the gods 

19 



290 THE ODYSSEY. XIV. 

' Barred the return of Him, who would with kindness 

* Have treated me, and given me a possession, 
' Such as a generous lord is wont to give 

'His menial serf, — as house, and plot of ground, 
' And long-sought wife, — to such as in his service 
Qo ' Has wrought full hard, and the god has blessed his work ; 

* As e'en this work of mine, wherein I abide, 

' Is blest with increase. Wherefore sure my master, 

* If to old age he still were living here, 

' Had given me many a help : but he has perished ; 

* As 'would had on their knees Helen's whole line perished, 
' For that so many a brave man's knees beneath him 

70 * Has she made sink : for He too went to the war, 
' To horse-prolific Ilion, for the sake 
'' Of Agamemnon, and to fight with Trojans." 
Saying thus, with belt he quickly girt his frock, 
xind went his way to the sties, wherein were kept 
Litters of pigs ; whence catching two, he brought 

75 And slaughtered both : then singed, cut up, and fixed them 
About the spits : and when he had roasted all, 
He bore them hot upon the spits and set 
Before Odusseus : o'er them then he sprinkled 
White meal ; and in a bowl of ivy-wood 
Mixed honey-sweet, smooth wine : then sat himself 
Facing his guest and spake thus pressingly : 

80 *' Eat now, guest, such fieshmeat as we serfs 

' Have at command, young hog's-flesh : but the hogs, 
' The fat hogs, do the suitors eat, who at heart 

* Have neither thought of pity, nor of reckoning : 

* On cruel doings the happy gods howe'er 

' Look not with pleasure ! but they honor right 
' And seemly 'haviour in mankind. E'en foes, 



BOOK H. 291 

Howe'er at odds, who land on a hostile country. 

For foraging', and Zeus vouchsafes them booty ; 

And when they Ve filled their ships away they go 

Each to his home : e'en upon such there sinks 

Into their hearts a vehement dread of reckoning : 

But sure now These men have some sort of knowledge. 

Or through some god have heard, of His sad death, 

Since thus they neither choose with decent form 

To woo, nor yet return to their own business : 

But at their ease devour they here his goods 

All wantonly ; and thrift there is no longer : 

For oft as come the days and nights from Zeus, 

So oft a victim, never one alone, 

Nor two, they sacrifice ; and as for wine, 

Outrageously they drain it out and waste. 

sure a living had he indeed full ample ; 

Such as no other noble masters have, 

Neither of those upon the dark mainland. 

Nor here in Ithaca; such wealthy income 

Has no man, no, nor twenty men together: 

And if 't so please. 111 give thee now the tale : 

On the mainland twelve droves of beeves : of sheep 

As many flocks : as many herds of swine ; 

And spreading herds of goats there are as many : 

And his own herdsmen and hired strangers tend them. 

Here too, at yon extreme land's end, there graze 

Wide-spreading herds of goats, eleven in all : 

And good stout fellows have the keeping of them : 

Each man of them brings every day to the suitors 

A goat, the choicest of his well-fed herd. 

And of ttese swine have I the charge and tendance ; 

And choosing out the goodliest of the hogs 



202 THE ODYSSEY. XIY. 

* Send it away for Tliem." He spake : meanwhile;, 
Eating Ins meat all eagerly, and drinking 

His wine by snatches, kept his guest, in silence ; 

110 Intent on planting mischief for the suitors. 
Then soon as e'er he had dined, and satisfied 
His soul with food, Euma3us filled the cup, — 
Wherefrom he himself was drinking, — full of wine 
And gave to his guest ; who took the friendly pledge^. 
Kejoicing in his heart, and spake thereat 
In winged words and said : *^ friend. Who is it, 

110 'So passing wealthy and powerful, as thou tellest, 
' That bought thee by his money ? And thou sayest 
' How in behalf Agamemnon's honor 

* He perished. Tell me ; for perchance such one 

' I may have somewhere known : and Zeus, I ween,. 

* And all the deathless gods know This at least, 

* Whether I 've seen and can of Him give tidings, 
120 ' Far wanderer as I 've been about." Anon, 

The SYvdneherd, master bailiff, answered him : 
'* Sir, not e'er a wandering man that came 

* Hither with news of Him might think to malve 

* His wife or son believe them. But all idly 
' Do wandering mendicants in want of alms 

125 ' Tell lies, with never a wish to speak the truth. 
' Yet every vagrant that comes hither suppliant 
' Into our Ithaca, goes to my mistress 
^ With all his cheating tales ; and she receives 

* And treats him kindly and asks about each matter 

* All eagerly ; while as she mourns fast fall 
' Tears from her eyelids, as the manner is 

130 * Of a wife whose lord has perished far away. 

* Soon too wouldst Thou be trumping up a tale, 



BOOK S. 2[^ 

^ Old man, if any one would give thee clothes, 
^ Tunic and cloak. But as for Him, — liis life 

* Has left him ; and ere now must ravening birds 
^ And dogs have torn the skin from off His bones ; 

13o ' Or in the deep have fishes eaten Him ; 

^ And covered thick with sand upon the coast 
'Are lying His bones. Oh, perished then has lie 
' Of a surety ! while distress is left beliind 
' For all his friends, and 'specially to me ; 
' For other master ne'ermore shall I find 

* Gentle as He, go Avhitherso I may ; 
140 ' Not if again I went e'en to my father's 

* And mother's house wherein I erst was bom 

' And where they reared me. Nor on their account, 
' Grieving although, do I mourn aught like so much, 

* Or long to be in my fatherland again 

* And see them with mine eyes. But a fond yearning 
' After mine absent lord Odusseus holds me. 

145 ' Although not in his presence I, guest, 

' Can but indeed with reverence speak his name : 
' So passing kind was he, and thoughtful ever 
' In heart towards me. But, howe'er far off, 
' Him will I call my honored elder brother." 
Then straight the much-enduring prince Odusseus 
Eeplied : ^' friend, now since thou spurnest quite, 

150 * And say 'st that nevermore will he return, 
' And unbelieving still is all thy heart, 

* Yet say will I, not merely, but with oath, 

' How that Odusseus Is on his return : : 

' And for good tidings let me have the guerdon, 

* Straight whensoever shall he return and come 

^ To his own halls again : then put fair raiment. 



294 THE ODYSSEY. XIV. 

155 * Tunic and cloak, upon me : not till tlien 

* Accept them would I, howsoever in want. 

* For to me hateful as the gates of Hades 

* Is He who weakly yields to poverty 

'And utters craven falsehoods. Wherefore novf 
' First of the gods in rank let Zeus hear witness ; 

* And let this hospitable table and this, 
160 * The sacred hearth of blemishless Odusseus, 

* Whereto I 'm come, bear witness ; all, all surely,. 

* E'en as I say, shall come to pass ; and hither 

* Come shall Odusseus, yea this ver}^ year. 

* At this month's ending and the next beginning, 
' Home shall he come again, and take revenge 

* On whosoever treats with disrespect 

165 * His consort and his glorious son." Anon 

Then answeredst thou, swineherd, kind Eumseus :.• 
**0 Sir, indeed this guerdon for good tidings 

* Pay not shall I, nor ever home again 

' Will come Odusseus : but now, drink in peace 

* And quiet ; and let us talk of somewhat else ; 

* And call not these things to my mind : for truly 
170 ' I ache at very heart within my breast, 

* When any one but mentions my dear master. 

' Your oath, we'll let that be : but for Odusseus, 

* that he might come ! e'en as I, I wish him, 
' As too Penelope, and the old Laertes, 

* And as the godlike youth Telemachus ! 
' Now also on his account, Telemachus, 

175 ' Odusseus' son, I grieve incessantly : 

' For when the gods have nursed and reared him up 
' Like a fair plant, and fondly was I fancying 

* How He 'mongst men would prove no-wise inferior 



BOOK S. 295 

* To his dear father, admirable in wit 

* And bodily form : but by some god or man 
^ Has that brave wit within him been misled ; 

180 ' And gone is he, for tidings of his father, 

' To sacred Pylos : and those gallant suitors 

* Lie in ambush for him in his passage home ; 
' That so from out of Ithaca may perish 

* Godlike Arcesias' race and be henceforth 

' Without a name. But leave we him nathless, 

' Whether he falls their prey, or whether haply 

185 , ' He escape; and over him may Zens Chronion 

* Hold his protecting hand. But of Thy troubles, 
' Thine, reverend Sir, now give me Thou the tale ; 

* And truly tell me this, that I may know, 

' Who ? and whence art ? thy city ? and who thy fathers ? 
' On board what ship com'st hither ? and how, how was it 
^ The shipmen brought thee into Ithaca ? 
190 ' Whom do they boast themselves ? for truly never 
' Hither on foot cam'st thou methinks." Anon 
Thus answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 
"Yea, tell thee this will I, and all right truh". 
' Let there indeed be now to last us both 

* Some while, both meat and pleasant wine, wherewith 

* To feast us quietly here within thy hut : 
195 ' And let the others all go about thy business. 

^ Hehearsing then, e'en for a whole year round, 
' The troubles of my heart, no, no-wise easily 

* Eun through the tale might I, such altogether 

* The toils I've suffered at the gods' high pleasure.— 

* Son of a wealthy man, from spacious Crete 
' I boast my birth ; and many sons beside 

200 ' Within my father's halls were born and reared. 



296 THE ODYSSEY. XIY. 

' Born of liis wedded consort : but the mother 
' Was a bought concubine who gave me birth : 

* Yet equally with those of lawful wedlock 
' Castor Hylacides was wont to love me : 

' For 't is of Him boast I to be the son : 
205 ' Once, throughout Crete, as though he were a god, 
' Honored was he by the people for his wealth 
' And happy estate, and for his glorious sons. 
^ Yet Him howe'er the Fatal goddesses 
' Of Death bore off to Hades' dark abode. 
^ Whereat those gallant, high-souled sons divided 
' His living all amongst them, and cast lots. 
210 ' To me some sorry pittance then they gave, 

' And portioned me a dwelling. For my prowess, 

* Soon took I to myself a wife, the daughter 
' Of passing wealthy people ; for not useless 

' Was I, nor one w^ho shunned the field of battle : 
' But now,— gone now is all : yet still methinks 

* Thou mayst, but looking on this remnant stubble, 
21o ' Perceive how 't was : for sure has fall'n on Me 

' Painful calamity enough. Bold courage 

' And might to break through ranks, sure, sure indeed 

' Both Ares and Athene granted me. 

' When planting mischief 'gainst the foe I chose me 

' Our boldest chieftains for an ambuscade, 

* Ne'er did my gallant heart see Death before it : 
220 ' But ever foremost far, with spear in hand, 

' On leapt I for the foe, and took the life 
' Of whosoe'er were slower afoot than I. 

* Such Was I in battle : but to me not pleasant 
^Ever was husbandry, nor management 

' Of homely thrift and bringing up bright children. 



BOOK. S. 297 

' But ships and oars were alwajrs to my mind : 
S25 ' And war and weapons, polished darts and arrows, 
' Mischievous thing's, and such as are indeed 

* To others downright horrible. But whate'er 
' Into my heart forsooth the god did put, 

' Was to me pleasant : for of different ways 
' Do different men delight to take pursuit. 

* Yea, ere Achaia's sons embarked for Troy, 
230 ' Nine times 'gainst foreign foes did I command 

' Both troops and quick-going war-ships : and good haps 
' I always had : of spoil I took the choice 

* As pleased my heart, and much beside, by lot. 

^ Then presently my house y/axed great and prospered ; 
' Whereat among the Cretans 1 became 
' Keverend and worshipful. But when at length 
235 ' Far-seeing Zeus decreed That hateful voyage 

' That loosed so many a brave man's knees beneath him, 
' Then the renowned Idomeneus they pressed 

* And me to take command of ships to Ilion : 
' And means of no sort had I of refusal, 

' While sorely kept the people's voice still pressing : 
240 ' There then engaged in war nine years were we, 
' Sons of Achaians ; in the tenth, we sacked 
^ Priam's Town, then went on board our ships for home ; 
' And the angry god broke up the Achaian host. 
' Mischief for luckless Me forthwith did Zeus 
' The lord of Counsel plot : for I remained 

* Only one month rejoicing in my wealth 

S45 ' And wedded wife and children ; when my spirit 
' Soon prompted me to equip a gallant fleet 
' With godlike mates and sail away for ^gypt. 
' Nine ships I fitted out ; and crews thereinto 



S98 THE ODYSSEY. XIY. 

* Were speedily collected . Feasting then 

* For six days with me were my trusty comrades, 
250 ^ While I supplied them fatlings in great plent}^ 

^Wherewith to offer sacrifice to the gods, 
'And for themselves to make the banquet ready. 
' On board then on the seventh, from roomy Crete 
' We sailed with North East wind blowing fresh and fair 
' Easily, as if 't were downstream : and no damage 
255 ' Had ever a one of all my ships, but safe 

* And sound we sat at ease ; while both the wind 

' And helmsmen kept straight course. On the fifth day 
' We arrived at iEgypt's fair-flowing stream, and there 
' I moored our rolling ships within the river. 

* My trusty mates then bade I stay on the spot 
260 ' Beside the ships and guard them : ordered also 

' Scouts to the heights to look out and return : 
' But giving way to riotousness, and following 
' Their own fierce bent, they straight began to ravage 
' The Egyptian husbandmen's right goodly fields, 
' And carry off their women and infant babes, 
265 ' Slaying the men : whose cry soon reached the Town : 

* At hearing which, came They with the peep of Morn, 
' And all the plain was filled with foot and horse 

^ And glittering flash of arms ; and on my comrades 
' Sad rout the thnnder-loving Zeus inflicted : 
' Nor was there one endured to stand against them ; 
270 ' Such mischief pressed around from every side. 
' Of Us then slew they many with the sword ; 
' And others carried they away alive 
' To work in bondage for them. As for me, 
' Into my heart now sure 'twas Zeus himself 
' That put this thought, (but Oh that there in iEgypfc 



S75 



280 



285 



290 



295 



BOOK B. 299 

I 'had died and met my fate ; for thenceforth sorrow 

Was now my host,)— straight doffed I from my head 

My fair-wroug'ht cap, and shield from off my shoulders. 

And threw away the weapon from my hand : 

Then so to meet the king npon his chariot 

Went I, and clasped and kissed his knees : whereat 

He saved and pitied me : and into his chariot 

Received and seated me and took me weeping 

Unto his home. Full many, many indeed 

Were rushing at me with their ashen spears 

Eager to slay, (for wroth they were right sore,) 

But off he kept them ; and with awe regarded 

The wrath of Zeus, Zeus Hospitable, who visits 

111 deeds upon the doers ever surely. 

There then I stayed seven years, and there I amassed 

Great wealth among the iEgyptians ; for all gave me. 

But when was come the eighth advancing year, 

There came a man, Phoenician born, a rogue 

Skilful in wiles, and greedy, who many a time 

Had done ill tricks in the world ; and upon Me 

Prevailed he by those wily wits of his, 

And took me with him till we reached Phoenicia, 

Where lay his dwelling, and his goods and chattels. 

There with him I remained a year's full space : 

But when at length the months and days were ended 

Of the round circling year, and back again 

Was come the season, me he put on board 

A ship for Libya, where (so he held out. 

Plotting his falsehoods) I should gather for him 

His cargo ; but that 3Ie he there might sell 

And gain a countless price. On board, perforce, 

I followed him, foreboding though I was. 



SOO THE ODYSSEY. XIV. 

' Soon with a North East wind blowing fresh and fair 
The ship was running on in middle sea 
300 ' Beyond the Cretan coast ; but Zeus meanwhile 

* Plotted their ruin. Now when at length we 'had left 
' Crete all behind us, and none other land 

* Was now in sight, nor aught but heaven and sea, 
^ Then o'er the hollow ship Chronion hung 

^ A lurid cloud, and all the deep was darkened. 
305 ' Zeus at the same time thundered, and his bolt 

* Down hurled he upon the ship, w^hich reeled all quivering 
' Struck by Jove's flashing thunderbolt ; and filled 

' With awful brimstone was she, and overboard 
' Fell all the crew. And forth upon the waves 
' Eound the dark ship like sea-crows were they borne, 
And the god reft from Them their home-return. 
310 ' But as for me, with grief so heavy at heart, 
' Into my hands 't was sure now Zeus himself 

* Ordered the stubborn mast of the blue-prowed ship, 

' That I might yet 'scape ruin. Thereon I twined me, 
^ And so was borne by foul winds : borne nine days ; 
^ And on the tenth dark night a rolling billow 
315 ' Took me ashore, on the Thesprotians' land : 

' There, the lord Pheidon, king of the Thesprotians, 

* Eeceived me with a kindness free and gracious. 

* For His son was 't who, coming to the place, 

' Kaised me up by the hand, and led me, numb with cold 
^ And toil-worn, into a house, his father's palace ; 
320 ' And put fair raiment on me, cloak and tunic. 
^ About Odusseus there heard I : for oft 

* My host was saying how he himself had welcomed 
^ And given him entertainment on his passage 

* Home to his fatherland : stores too he showed me. 



\ 



BOOK S. 301 

' Odusseus had amassed, copper, and gold, 
' And hard- wrought iron : stores as might sure support 
325 ' Down to the tenth degree of generations 

* At least another yet : such wealthy treasures 

' Stored for him were there in the prince's halls. 
'And to Dodona gone was He, he said, 
' To hear from out Jove's lofty-branching oak 
' The god's high counsel, — how should he return, 
' After such long, long absence, to the land 
330 * Of fertile Ithaca, — whether by stealth, 

* Or whether openly. And with an oath 

' To me he affirmed, while pouring out the wine 
' At sacrifice in the palace, that a ship 
' Was hauled down ready and all the crew prepared, 
' Who were to speed Him to his fatherland. 
' But me forth sped he first : for haply a ship 
335 * Manned by Thesprotians chanced to be then going 
' Bound for Dulichion's fertile land of wheat. 
' So then he bade them speed me with all care 

* To king Acastos : but an evil counsel 

' Entered and won their hearts concerning me, 

* Whereby an overwhelming weight of misery 

' Thenceforth should I encoimter. When the ship, 
340 ' Cleaving the deep, had sailed far out from land, 
' Forthwith began they very cunningly 
' Contriving me the slavish day of bondage. 
' My goodly clothes off stripped they, cloak and tunic, 
' And put upon me a strange vile garb and frock, 
' All tatters ; e'en as Here thyself mayst see 
' Before thine eyes. At eventide they reached 
545 ' The fields of far-seen Ithaca. Anon 

' Fast in the well-benched ship they bound me down 



302 THE ODYSSEY. XIV. 

* By a rope strong-twisted : out then hied i\\Qj forth 
' In haste and on the sea shore took their supper. 

' For me meanwhile, sure 't was the gods themselves 
' Undid my bond all easily : about my head 
' Wrapping my rags, and slipping overboard 
■350 ^ Down by the helm, then breasted I the sea. 

' Then with both hands for oars the waves I cleaved 
' Swimming, and very quickly was I away 
' Aloof from Them. Then went I ashore to a copse 
' Thick, in full bloom, and there close laid me down, 

* And they, meanwhile, were hieing to and fro, 
^00 ^ All grumbling sorely : but when further profit 

' Seemed not in further seeking, they returned 
' On board their hollow ship again : and me 
' Sure 't was the gods themselves concealed so easily, 
' And hither to the farmstead of a man 
' Of prudent imderstanding have they brought me : 
^ Yea, for 'tis now my lot to live yet longer." 
•360 Him answeredst then, swineherd, kind Eumseus : 
' * Of strangers thou luckless ! much indeed 

* Thou 'hast stirred my heart by this account thou 'hast told 

* Of all thy wand'rings, and of all thy troubles. 

' But this, methinks, thou say'st about Odusseus 
' Is out of order, and shalt not persuade me. ._ 
' What needs the like of thee all recklessly 
-365 ' To tell these lies ? As to my lord's return, 
' Yea, I myself well know, how utterly 
' Hated indeed he was by all the gods, 
' In that they neither gave him to be slain 

* Yonder among the Trojans, nor to die 

' In the arms of friends since winding up the war. 
^ Then sure had all the allied Achaians raised him 



BOOK H. 303 

370 * A tomb ; and gained had he a glorious name, 
' E'en also to the child he has left behind him. 
' But Him have Harpy Whirlwinds snatched away 
^ Ing'loriously. Meanwhile, aloof from all, 
' Here with these swine bide I : nor to the town 
' Do I go, unless perchance at any time 
' Thoughtful Penelope may bid me thither, 

-37o ' Should tidings haply have come from any quarter. 
^ Then point by point close question they the bearer, 
' Both those who mourn the absence of their lord, 
' x\nd those who, never reckoning of account, 
' Gladly devour his substance. But to me 
' Not pleasant is 't to ask and make enquiry ; 
' Not since came hither an ^tolian man, 

380 " Who utterly beguiled me with his tale : 

' Slain also a man had he forsooth, and wandering 

* Through many a land came hither to my cot : 
" And fain was I to treat him with all kindness. 

' He said how among the Cretans Hi7n he 'had seen 

* With prince Idomeneus, and how that there 

' Mending was He his ships which storms had broken : 
•oSo ' Said too, how bringing with him many a treasure 
' He, with his godlike mates, was coming home 
' Either in summer, or in the early autumn. 
' And thou, Sir Woeful, since thy chance has led thee 
' Hither to me, think not to make thee welcome 
' To me by lies in any way, nor so 
' To cozen me. For not on such account 
' Shall I show thee good treatment or respect : 
390 ' But, as in fear of Zeus the Hospitable, 

* x\nd that I 've kindly pity upon thyself." 
Straight answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 



304 THE ODYSSEY. XIY. 

^' A very unbelieving sort of spirit 

* Sure liast thou in thy breast, that e'en by an oath 

' Not have I brought thee over, nor do I move thee. 
' But come now, make we a bargain : and to us both 
395 ' Be witnesses the gods above who dwell 
' On high Olympus : —if to this, this house 
' Thy master shall return, then clothe me in raiment, 
' Tunic and cloak, and speed me to Dulichium 

* Whither my heart is fain : — but if thy master 

* Return not, as I say, — then set upon me 
'Thy slaves to hurl me down yon mighty rock, 

400 ' That henceforth every beggar may beware 

* To eschew cajolery." Then answered him 

' The noble swineherd thus and said : '' Yea, Stranger [ 
' So should I have forsooth among mankind 
' A passing goodly name and gallant praise, 
' Both now forthwith and evermore, Vv^ere I, 
' Who took thee in, into my hut, and gave thee 

405 ' The pledges of a host, to turn thy murderer, 
' And take away thy life ! A¥ith ready heart 
' Then forsooth should I pray to Zeus Chronioii ! 
' But here, — 't is supper time ; and very soon 
' Should be my fellows in ; to make us ready 
' Our dainty cottage supper." In such wise 
Talldng were they together : presently, 

410 Nigh drew the men, the swineherds ; and the swine. 
Into their wonted lairs at once they shut them ; 
And grunting, past all tale, arose of the swine 
Entering the yards. Anon then to his fellows. 
Thus called the noble swineherd : '' Bring ye hither 
' The choicest hog, to slaughter for a guest 

415 ' From a far country : with him also ourselves 



BOOK S. 305 

* Will share the cheer, we who this long while past 

* Endure sad trouble about these white- tusked swine, 

* While others yonder eat without requital 

* Our hard-wrought earnings," Saying thus, anon 
Billet-wood cleft he with his ruthless axe ; 

While the others brought a five-year hog, right fat ; 

420 The whicli fast stayed they by the altar-hearth : 
Nor did the swineherd then forget the immortals, 
(For furnished was he with a brave good wit,) 
But for the sacrifice he made beoinnino; 
And threw on the fire the bristles from the head 
Of the white-tusked hog, and prayed unto all the gods. 
For the return of sage Odusseus home. 

42>5 Anon with upraised arm and oaken club, 

Left when he split the logs, he smote the boar. 
And the life left him : then his throat they cut, 
Singed, and with ready speed disjointed him . 
For firstlings now from all the limbs, in order 
The swineherd piled raw pieces, wrapping them 
In the rich lard : these on the fire he cast 

430 And sprinkled o'er with barley-meal : and the rest 
To pieces cut they and fixed on spits, and deftly 
Boasted, and then drew off and clapped them all 
Together upon the dresser : then to carve 
Upstood the swineherd ; for whate'er was fitting 
Eight well at heart knew he : into seven portions 

435 He parcelled all : one for the Nymphs and Hermes, 
The son of Maia, set he apart with vows ; 
Then portioned out the rest to each ; but graced 
Odusseus with the mess of honor, slices 
Cut from the white-tusked boar's chine ; and delighted 
His master's heart. Anon thus to him outspoke 

20 



30G THE ODYSSEr. xiv. 

Odusseiis ever-ready : ''Ah! Eumsens, 

440 ' I would thou wast as dear to father Zeus, 

^ As thou art to me, for that with these good things 
' Thou honorest thus the like of Me.'' Whereat 
Straight answeredst thou, swineherd, kind Eumseus : 
*' Eat now, my prince of guests, and make thee merry 
' With what is here before us : and the god 
* Will grant, or let alone, of his own pleasure, 

445 ' What willeth he soe'er, for He can all things." 
So spake he, and, to the everliying gods 
Offered the firstlings ; and, libation made 
Of the sparkling wine, then handed he the cup 
To his guest, the City-wasting Chief, Odusseus, 
As at his mess beside him was he sitting. 
Then dealt was wheat-bread to them by Mesaulios; 

450 Whom in his master's absence had the swineherd 
Bought for himself, and of himself alone, 
Without or aid or order of his mistress 
Or the old Laertes ; bought him had he of Taphians, 
Of his own means. — Thus putting forth their hands 
Engaged were they on the ready meats before them. 
Anon, when all had clean put out desire 

455 For meat and drink, Mesaulios cleared away 

The remnant food ; and hurrying to their berths 
Was now their bent, well sated as they were 
With bread and fleshmeat. Soon came on the night, 
Moonless and foul : and Zeus the whole night through 
Kept raining ; and a heavy North West wind 
Evermore wet kept blowing. Then amongst them 

460 Thus spake Odusseus, thinking to make trial 
Of master swineherd, whether would he doff 
For Him his blanket, or whether would he bid 
Some other of his fellows lend him one ; 



BooE H. 307 

Since for him had he such a kind concern : 

^' Hark now, Eumoeus and ye fellows all : 

^ I'll tell ye a tale, somewhat in boast ; for wine 

465 ' So bids, — that crazing wine, that sets a man, 
' Shrewd howsoe'er, a-singing' rather loud ; 
' And sets him off a4aughing jollily, 
' A"dancing too : sets too some word a-going 
^ That better were unsaid. But as howe'er 
' I've once begun my clack, I'll e'en not hide it. 
' Oh that I were as young and strong, as once 

470 ' When planned we and led an ambuscade at Troy, 
Whereof prince Menelaus and Odusseus, 

* Were the chief captains : with them too was I 

' Third in command ; for they themselves so bade m*^. 

* And when we 'd reached the Town, and its high wall, 

' Bound through thick brush-wood passed we by the city 
' Down to a reedy marsh, and there we laid us 
-47o * Close crouching under arms. The North East wind 
^ Fell bleak upon us, and the night came on 
' Hard, icy hard : and o'erhead was there snow, 
' Like hoar-frost, cold ; and all about our shields 
' Kept growing the icy crystal. The others there 
^ All had their cloaks and tunics, and were snug 

* Eesting, wrapped up, their shields about their shoulders. 
480 ' But witlessly, on coming with my comrades, 

' Left I my cloak behind me, for no thought 
' At all had I to be so chilled ; but came 
' With only shield, and girt with brilliant tunic. 
' But in the night's third watch, and when the stars 
' Had passed the South,— to Odusseus close at hand, 
' Nudging him with my elbow, spake I thus ; 
485 ' And he thereat full readily gave me hearing : 
"Jove-sprung Odusseus Laertiades, 



308 THE ODYSSEr. XIV. 

Of ever-ready wit,— sure 'mongst the living' 
'* Soon shall I be no longer, but the cold 
*' Is doing me to the death ; for I've no cloak : 
*' My unlucky chance misled me so as to come 
*' With but my tunic only ; but no longer 

490 '^Avoidable is it now." I spake ; whereat, 

' Close in his heart kept he this thought of his, 

' So good he was for plotting as for fighting ; 

' And speaking with a small voice thus he addressed me : 

*' Hush now ! lest other of the Achaians hear thee !" 

' Then, on his elbow, up he held his head, 

'And said aloud : *' Friends ! hearken ye, — a dream, 

495 *' A god-sent dream has come to me in my sleep : 
" From the fleet much too far we've come aloof: 
'* Go some one then and tell the people's pastor, 
*' Atreides Agamemnon, when perhaps 
*' More men he '11 order hither from the fleet." 
'He spake ; and upsprang Thoas, Andrsemon's son,. 

500 * With hasty speed, and doffed his crimson cloak, 
' And set off running to the fleet ; and gladly 
' I in his welcome garment laid me down ; 
' Till shone bright Eos on her golden throne. — 
' that I now were all as young and strong ! 
' Then sure would some one of the swineherds here 
' In the farmstead give me a cloak on both these counts^^ 

505 ' Kindness, — and reverence for a gallant man. 

* But now they lightly esteem me, wearing these 
' Vile garments on my limbs." Whereat in answer 
Kepliedst thou, thus, swineherd, kind Eumseus : 
'' Sir ! the tale thou tell'st forsooth is blameless ; 
' Nor hast thou said a word in any w^ay 
' Amiss, or gainlessly : wherefore, at once, 
510 ' Shalt not want Now, or garment or aught else 



BOOK H. 309 

* Meet for a suppliant wanderer in distress : 
' But wlien 't is morn again— shalt wrap about thee 
' Thine own old rags ; for no great store of c^ak.? 
' Or frocks for change of raiment have we here, 
' But for each man one only. When howe'er 

»515 ' Odusseus' dear son comes, he'll give thee raiment, 
*' Both cloak and tunic, and will speed thee forth 
' Whithersoe'er thy heart and soul desires." 
So saying, he rose, and made his guest a berth 
Close to the fire ; and threw upon the bed 
Skins both of sheep and goats. There then Odusseus 

•520 Lay down to sleep : then o'er him cast he a cloak 
Both large and thick, a cloak he had in store 
For change of garb, when any fearful weather 
Stormy and cold might rise. Thus there slept He, 
Odusseus ; and beside him slept the others. 
The young men : sleeping quarters There howe'er 
Pleased not the swineherd, — to be lying away 

•525 Aloof from the swine ; but out went he forthwith, 
And straight began to equip himself; whereat 
Glad was Odusseus, for that in his absence 
The bailiff took such care of his estate. 
First then about his sturdy shoulders girt he 
A sharp-edged sword ; then donned a right thick cloak. 
Proof against wind ; took with him also a skin, 

"530 Shaggy, of a well-fed goat and large : took also 
A sharp pike, for defence from dogs or men. 
Then went he his way to lie, e'en where asleep 
Were lying his white-tusked hogs, from Northern storm 
-Sheltered within the hollow rock and warm. 



310 THE ODYSSEY. XY. 



ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTEENTH BOOK. O. 

Toleinaclius and Nestor's son Peisistratus are still with Menelaiis in Sparta.. 
Athene appears to Telemachus in the night and warns him to return home • 
at once, and instructs him how to avoid the suitors' ambuscade. In the 
morning Telemachus receives gifts from Menelaus and Helen, of whom he 
takes leave ; and Peisistratus conveys him to his ship at Pylos. He takes - 
o a board with him a seer, Theoclymenos, fugitive on account of man- 
slaughter. He escapes the suitors and reaches Ithaca in safety. The 
swineherd tells his history to Odusseus, still disguised. Telemachus - 
comes to the cottage. 

MICRON sings Telemachus' return 
From Sparta ; and the Suitors' ambuscade. 

Meanwhile had sped to broad-valed Lacedsemoii 
Pallas Athene, to remind of home 
High-souled Odusseus' brilliant son and bid him 
Thither return. Telemachus she found 
And Nestor's gallant son both lying abed 
5 In glorious Menelaus' entrance chamber. 
By soft Sleep was Nestorides overcome ; 
Upon Telemachus howe'er no hold 
Had gentle Sleep ; but anxious cares at heart 
About his sire w^ere keeping him awake 
Throughout the ambrosial night. Now at his side' 
Bright-eyed Athene stood and thus addressed him :: 
10 ^' Telemachus ! no longer noAv is 't well 

' For thee to roam abroad and leave behind thee 
* Thy fair possessions, and within thy halls 



BOOK O. 311 

' Such overweening men : see, lest tliey share 
' Thy stores amongst them, and devour tliiiie all, 
' And thou the while have come an idle voyage. 
' But with all haste urge doughty Menelaus 
15 ' To speed thee forth, while yet mayst find at home 
' Thy faultless mother : for already her father 
' And brothers also are urging her to wed 
' With prince Eurymachus : for he with dowry 
' Surpasses all the suitors and outbids them 

* By far with wedding gifts : lest from thy halls, 
'Against thy will, some rich heirloom of thine 

20 * Be carried off; for sure thou know'st, what spirit 

* Is in a woman's breast : her wish is ever 

' To advance the house of whosoever weds her ; 

* While of her former children takes she thought 

* No longer, neither of the dead dear husband, 

' The w^edded of her youth, nor makes she enquiry. 
' But go thy very self; and to whichever 
25 ' Of all thy women-slaves appears most trusty, 
' Give every thing in charge, until such time 
' As shall the gods grant Thee an illustrious wife. 
' A word yet more to thee I'll say, and thou, 

* Lay it thou to heart : in ambuscade are lying 

* Within the narrow straight twixt Ithaca 
' And craggy Samos, purposely for thee 

30 ' The chieftains 'mongst the suitors, fain to slay thee, 

* Ere ever mayst thou reach thy fatherland. 

* Yet so not shall it be methinks : first the earth 

* Down o'er those suitors who devour thy substance 

* Shall close, yea, over every man amongst them. 

* But keep thy trim-built ship aloof from the islands : 
' Sail too with nio'ht : and, whoso of the Deathless 



310 THE ODYSSEY. XY. 



ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTEENTH BOOK. O. 

Toleinaclius and Nestor's son Peisistratus are still with Menelaiis in Sparta.. 
Athene appears to Telemachus in the night and warns him to return home • 
at once, and instructs him how to avoid the suitors' ambuscade. In the 
morning Telemachus receives gifts from Menelaus and Helen, of whom he 
takes leave ; and Peisistratus conveys him to his ship at Pylos. He takes - 
o a board with him a seer, Theoclymenos, fugitive on account of man- 
slaughter. He escapes the suitors and reaches Ithaca in safety. The 
swineherd tells his history to Odusseus, still disguised. Telemachus - 
comes to the cottage. 

MICRON sings Telemachus' return 
From Sparta ; and the Suitors' ambuscade. 

Meanwhile had sped to broad-valed Lacedsemoii 
Pallas Athene, to remind of home 
High-souled Odusseus' brilliant son and bid him 
Thither return. Telemachus she found 
And Nestor's gallant son both lying abed 
5 In glorious Menelaus' entrance chamber. 
By soft Sleep was Nestorides overcome ; 
Upon Telemachus howe'er no hold 
Had gentle Sleep ; but anxious cares at heart 
About his sire w^ere keeping him awake 
Throughout the ambrosial night. Now at his side' 
Bright-eyed Athene stood and thus addressed him :: 
10 ^' Telemachus ! no longer noAv is 't well 

' For thee to roam abroad and leave behind thee 
* Thy fair possessions, and within thy halls 



BOOK O. 311 

' Such overweening men : see, lest tliey share 
' Thy stores amongst them, and devour tliiiie all, 
' And thou the while have come an idle voyage. 
' But with all haste urge doughty Menelaus 
15 ' To speed thee forth, while yet mayst find at home 
' Thy faultless mother : for already her father 
' And brothers also are urging her to wed 
' With prince Eurymachus : for he with dowry 
' Surpasses all the suitors and outbids them 

* By far with wedding gifts : lest from thy halls, 
'Against thy will, some rich heirloom of thine 

20 * Be carried off; for sure thou know'st, what spirit 

* Is in a woman's breast : her wish is ever 

' To advance the house of whosoever weds her ; 

* While of her former children takes she thought 

* No longer, neither of the dead dear husband, 

' The w^edded of her youth, nor makes she enquiry. 
' But go thy very self; and to whichever 
25 ' Of all thy women-slaves appears most trusty, 
' Give every thing in charge, until such time 
' As shall the gods grant Thee an illustrious wife. 
' A word yet more to thee I'll say, and thou, 

* Lay it thou to heart : in ambuscade are lying 

* Within the narrow straight twixt Ithaca 
' And craggy Samos, purposely for thee 

30 ' The chieftains 'mongst the suitors, fain to slay thee, 

* Ere ever mayst thou reach thy fatherland. 

* Yet so not shall it be methinks : first the earth 

* Down o'er those suitors who devour thy substance 

* Shall close, yea, over every man amongst them. 

* But keep thy trim-built ship aloof from the islands : 
' Sail too with nio'ht : and, whoso of the Deathless 



314 THE ODYSSEY. XV. 

85 ' Or caldron, or a pair of mules, or cup 

^ Embossed, of gold." Anon in prudent spirit 
Keplied Telemachus : '^ Jove-loved prince, 
' Captain of hosts, Atreides Menelaus ! 
' Eather return I would at once to our own ; 
C For watcher o'er my goods none left I at home^ 
^ Behind me at coming ;) lest, in making search 

90 ^ After my godlike sire, myself be lost, 

* Or lost be some rich heir-loom from my halls." 
At hearing This,--the doughty Menelaus 
Presently bade his consort and her women 
Have ready an ample breakfast of such stores 
As were within the house. Anon drew near 

95 Lord Eteoneus Boethoides, 

Just up from bed, — since not far off he dwelt : 
Then doughty Menelaus bade him kindle 
A fire and broil some fleshmeat : ready hearing 
Gave he thereat, nor was he uncomplying. 
Meanwhile to his fragrant storeroom stepped the king ; 
100 Not by himself, but with him Megapenthes 

His son went also and Helen. When they had come 
Where lay his treasures, therefrom took Atreides 
The twin-cupped goblet,^ — bade too Megapenthes 
Carry the bowl, a mixing-bowl of silver :^ 
Meanwhile, went Helen to the chests ; wherein 
105 Were stored her robes and shawls all variegated, 
Herself had wrought. Wherefrom, the richest one 
In broidery and the largest, forth took Helen, 
Fair of all womankind, and carried it ; 
It lay the lowest of all ; and radiant was it, 
Like nnto a star : forth then they went their way 

* SeeB. iv. 590, 615, etc. 



BOOK O. 315 

Back through the palace to Telemachus ; 
110 To whom spake thus the yellow-haired Menelaus : 
" Telemachus, e'en as at heart thou longest, 

* May Here's lord, high-thundering Zeus, vouchsafe thee 

* To achieve thy home-return. And as for gifts, 

* Of all the laid-up treasures in my house 
' 111 give that is fairest and most costly : 

115 * I'll give thee here a fair- wrought mixing-bowl ; 

* 'Tis all of silver, edged with lips of gold, 

' Hephaistos' handiwork : 't was given to me 

* By the Sidonians' king, lord Phaidimos, 

' What time his palace erewhile gave me shelter 

* Upon my homeward passage : and with thee 

* I wish it now to go." As thus he spake, 
120 The lord Atreides put the twin-cupped goblet 

Into his hands ; and sturdy Megapenthes 
Brought and set down the splendid silver bowl 
There right before him : then with shawl in hand 
Comely-cheeked Helen came and stood beside him^ 
And spake the word and uttered it aloud : 
125 *' And I too have a gift for thee, my son : — 
' Of Helen's hands is this memorial token, 
' Against the season of thy longed-for marriage, 
' For thy bride's wearing : and till then be it stored 
' In thy dear mother's keeping in the palace. 
^ And thou, with gladness mayst thou reach, I pray^ 

* Thy well-built home and own dear fatherland." 
130 So saying, she put it into his hands, and he 

With joy accepted it ; and with the rest 
'T was taken by the lord Peisistratus, 
Who laid them into the basket of the chariot, 
And eyed them all with wonder in his heart. 



616 THE ODYSSEr, XV. 

Yellow-haired Meneliius led tliem now 
Into the palace ; where they sat them down 

135 On chair and throne. Anon a serving woman 
Brought water in a beauteous golden ewer 
For washing hands, o'er which she poured it forth 
Into a silver basin : then beside them 
She spread a polished table. A reverend dame, 
The stewardess, brought bread and set it on, 
With many a cate beside, producing freely 

140 Her ready stores. And Boethoides carved 
The ileshmeats and distributed the messes. 
While glorious Meneliius' son was bearing 
And pouring wine : and hands they now put forth 
Upon the viands ready set before them. 
Now soon as e'er they had put away desire ' 
For meat and drink, anon Telemachus 

145 And Nestor's gallant son went straight and yoked 
Their horses, and upstepped on the beauteous car ; 
And drove from forth the sounding corridor 
And entrance porch ; whence followed them Atreides 
Yellow-haired Meneliius with a goblet. 
Golden, of honey-smooth, delicious wine 
In his right hand, whereof, ere starting forth, 

150 His guests should make libation. So he stood 
Before the horses, and with hand outstretched 
Addressed them thus : *^ fare ye well, young men I 

* And unto Nestor, pastor of his people, 

' Give ye my greeting ; for indeed to me 

* Kind as a father was he, while at Troy 

' Were we, Achaia's sons, engaged in war." 
155 In prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 

'^To him, yea verily, Jove-loved Prince, 



BOOK O. 317 

* E'en as thou sayst, we'll go and tell Inm all : 

* And, Oh ! that I could likewise also at home, 

* 6n my return to Ithaca, there find 

' And tell Odusseus, how from thee I come, 

* And how I've met all manner of kindly welcome, 
160 * And bring' home many a token of thy friendship." 

' As thus he spake, came flying upon the right 

A bird, an eagle with a huge white goose, 

Tame, from the court-yard, snatched up in his talons : 

And following came with yells both men and women : 

Still on the right howe'er the lucky bird 

Drew nigh and onwards darted past the horses ; 

165 And gladdened were they all at the sight, and glowed 
The spirit in every breast. The foremost word 
Spake thus Nestorides Peisistratus : 
*' Bethink thee now, Jove-loved Menelaus^ 
' Captain of hosts, whether for us, or Thee, 
' The god has shewn this sign." He spake : whereat 
Ares-loved Meneliius was in doubt, 

170 How with discretion might he interpret this 

And answer him. Anon, beforehand with him, 
Spake thus the long-robed Helen : '' List ye to me, 

* And prophesy will I, e'en as the gods 

' Now put it in my heart, and as, I ween, 
' 'Twill come to pass. As, down from forth the mountain 
' Has come this eagle from his eyrie and brood, 
175 ' And carried off our house-fed goose, e'en so 
' Come shall Odusseus, after many a turmoil 

* And many a wandering, to his home again, 

' And there take vengeance : aye, or even now 

' He Is at home, and is already planting 

' Mischief for all the suitors." Answered her 



318 



THE ODYSSEY. XV, 



Telemachus in prudent spirit : " E'en so 
180 * May Here's lord, high- thundering Zeus ordain it ; 

* Then would I render thee, e'en there, my vows, 

* As would I unto a god." He spake ; and laid 
The lash upon the horses, and right swiftly 

Forth through the Town apace they ^ped to the plain : 
And all day long kept shaking they the yoke 
They bare about their necks ; till sun went down, 

185 And every way grew darksome, when they came 
To Pherse, to the abode of Diodes, 
Son of Orsilochus, Alpheius' offspring. 
The night there slept they and unto them he gave 
Due guest-gifts. Soon as rosy-fingered Eos, 
Sprung from the dawn, appeared, they yoked their horses 

190 And on the fair-wrought car upstepped ; and drove 
From forth the echoing corridor and porch : 
He touched them on : and not unwillingly 
On flew they both ; and Pylos' lofty Town 
They quickly reached, when spake Telemachus , 
To the son of Nestor : " Now, Nestorides, 

195 ' Couldst somehow undertake to accomplish for me 

* A matter I have ? Fast friends we boast ourselves, 
' Hereditary friends : of same age also : 

' And now this journey brings us closer still 
^ Of the same mind together. Take me then 
' Not further than my ship, prince, but there 

* Leave me behind, lest in his house the old man 
200 ' In warmth of welcome keep me against my will • 

' And rather must I now go home with haste." 
He spake : whereat Nestorides took counsel 
With his own heart how might he undertake 
Meetly to do this :— doubting as he was, 



BOOK O. 319 

The better plan seemed thus : he turned his horses 

"205 Straight to the seashore and the nimble ship ; 

Drew forth the goodly gifts, the gold and raiment, 
All Menelaus gave, and carried them 
Into the ship's poop ; and in winged words 
Spake thus to urge him on : ''Up now, in haste, 
' To ship, and bid thy comrades all ; ere home 

"SIO ' May I return and tell the old man the tidings : 
' For This full well know I in my heart and soul, 
' What an o'erwhelming sort of spirit is Mis : 
' Thee will he not let go ; but will himself 
' Come hither to recal thee ; and not, methinks, 
' Would he go empty back : else altogether 
' Wroth would he be, aye vehemently." So saying, 

"210 He drove his fine-maned horses back to the Town 
Of Pylos and soon reached his home. Meanwhile, 
Telemachus thus urged and bade his comrades : 
" In the dark ship, my friends, now arrange her tackle, 
* And go we on board forthwith to achieve our voyage." 
He spake ; and they with ready heed gave ear, 

°220 And quickly obeyed : at once they stepped on board 

And sat on the thwarts. Now on such wise was he busy, 

And making vows and offerings unto Athene 

At the ship's poop ; when towards him there drew near 

A man from far-off parts, a seer, in flight 

From Argos, on account of homicide : 

2'2o Of high birth was he, the offspring of Melampus ; 
Who used in former time to dwell in Pylos, 
Mother of flocks, and there among the Pylians 
Wealthy he dwelt in a palace passing great : 
Nathless, e'en then, to another land he went. 
Fleeing his fatherland and high-souled Neleus, 



320 THE ODYSSEY. XV. 

The noblest prince that lived, who held by force 

230 Possession of his wealth for a whole year ; 

While he, Melampus,* bound with heav}^ bonds. 
Lay prisoner in the halls of Phylacus, 
In troublous woe for sake of Neleus' daughter, 
And through the baneful, rash bewilderment 
Put into his heart by Erinnys, horrid goddess. 

235 Yet 'scaped he a violent doom, and drove away 
The bellowing beeves from Phylace to Pylos, 
And took revenge upon the god-like Neleus 
For his unseemly deed ; and carried home 
A wife to his brother. Then to a land of strangers, 
Horse-pasturing Argos, went he ; for 'twas destined 

240 There should he dwell, the lord o'er numerous Argives 
There married he a wife and built himself 
A high-roofed palace, and begat two sons, 
Antiphates and Mantius, doughty both. 
Antiphates begat high-souled Oicleus : 
Oicleus then begat Amphiaraus, 
Kouser of peoples : with all manner of kindness 

245 Both Zeus the JEgis-bearer and Apollo 

Used heartily to love him ; yet he came not 
Unto old age's threshold ; but at Thebes 
Perished through bribery to his wife : two sons 
Had he,— Alcmseon, and Amphilochus. 
Two sons had also Mantius,— Polypheides 
And Cleitos ; but the gold-enthroned Eos 

250 Snatched away Gleitos, for his comeliness, 

To dwell among the Deathless : while Apollo 
Gave high-souled Polypheides to become 
A seer, the best by far among mankind 

* See xi. 290, etc. 



BOOK O. 321 

After Amphiaraiis' death :— stirred up 

To wrath against his sire, he went away 

And settled in the Town of Hyperesia ; 
255 And dwelling there he plied his art prophetic 

For all and any. Now 'twas this man's son, — 

His name was Theoclymenos, who came 

And stood before Telemachus, and found him 

Pouring libation by the dark swift ship 

And offering yows and prayers : —anon he addressed him 
260 And spake these winged words : '' Since here, friend, 

* I chance to light upon thee engaged in offering, — 
' I entreat thee, by thine offering and the god, — 

' By thine own head too and by thy comrades with thee, 

* Answer my question nor conceal the truth, — 

* Whence art thou and who ? Thy city ? and who thy 

fathers V* 
265 In prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 

" Tell thee, stranger, yea will I right truly : 
' By birth am I from Ithaca : Odusseiis 

* Is, — ah ! Once Was, — my father ; but alas, 

* Already perished has he utterly, 

' A wretched death ! On His account these comrades 
' And dark ship took I and came to make enquiry 
270 ' For tidings of my long departed father." 
Eeplied then godlike Theoclymenos : 
" And I too, I'm away from fatherland, 

* For having slain a man, one of my tribe : 

' And many are both his kinsfolk and his brethren 
' Throughout horse-pasturing Argos ; and they hold 

* Great sway among the Achaians : 't is from them 
275 * I flee to escape black Death and violent Doom, 

' And now 't is destined me to be a wanderer 

21 



32S THE ODYSSEY. XV. 

' Among mankind. But since to thee I'm come 

* A suppliant fugitive, — give me a place 

' On ship-board ; lest they slay me, for methinks 

* Already they pursue me." Anon replied 
Telemachus in prudent spirit : " Now truly 

280 * If such at least thy wish, I'll not refuse thee 

* Aboard my gallant ship ; but come along ; 

' And yonder shalt thou have a kindly welcome 

* To the best cheer we have." So saying, he took 
The stranger's brazen spear ; the which he laid 
Along the deck-planks of the rolling ship : 

Up then on board himself, he sat him down 

285 Astern, and seated Theoclymenos 

Beside him ; while his comrades loosed the moorings. 
Anon Telemachus all urgent bade them 
Make fast the tackle ; and in haste they obeyed him : 
They raised the pine-wood mast and fixed it up 
Within the hollow amidships, amd made fast 

290 With forestays ; then with ox-hide ropes well-twisted 
Hoised the white sails. Forthwith to speed them on 
Bright-eyed Athene sent a fair tail-wind, 
Eapid, on-rushing through the bright clear air. 
That with all haste the ship might run, and finish 
Her course across the salt sea waves. Meanwhile, 

295 The sun went down and every way grew dark : 
But by Jove's favoring gale the ship driven on 
Was making straight for Pheise, and the coast 
Of sacred Elis, where the Epeians rule : 
Thence tacking for the needle-pointed islands* 
He steered right on, v^ith many an anxious thought 
Whether he were to escape Death, or be caught. — 

* The Echinades. 



BOOK O. Sfi9S 

300 Meanwhile, Odusseus and the noble swineherd 

Were supping in the hut : and supping with them 
Were also the other herdsmen : when howe'er 
They had put away desire for meat and drink, 
Unto them spake Odusseus, to make trial 
Whether the swineherd longer yet would treat him 
With kindly welcome, and still bid him stay 

305 There at his farm-stead : or would urge his going 
Away to the City: " Hear me now Eumseus, 
' And all you other fellows : to the Town 
' Fain would I hence away to-morrow morn 
' And go a-begging ; lest I here w^ear out 
' Thee and thy mates : but kindly give me counsel ; 
' And a stout guide to bear me company 

310 ' And lead me thither : then about the Town 
' ril wander by myself, as needs I must, 

* In hope may some one hand me a cup and loaf. 

* Go also I would to the halls of prince Odusseus, 
' And tell the shrewd Penelope my tidings : 

* Mingle I w^ould too with those haughty suitors ; 

* When of their victuals in such endless plenty 
315 * They'll haply give me a dinner. Serve I would 

' At once right well before them, to their liking : 

* For this I'll say, and take thou heed and hear me : 
' By the kind aid of message-bearing Hermes, 

* E'en Him who puts success and winning grace 

* Upon the doings of any of mankind, — 
320 ' None other mortal e'er might think to vie 

' With me for nimble service,— whether to heap 
' The fire up w^ell, or rive dry billet-wood, 

* Or cut up joints and roast, or pour out wine ; 

* Such services, as unto the better sort 



324 THE ODYSSEY. XV. 

'The meaner sort perform." Then answeredst thou 
Eight heavy at heart, Swineherd, kind Enmseus : 

^25 ' Alas, my friend ! why, why has such a thought 
' Entered thy mind ? Sure longing art thou quite 
' To perish there, if really wouldst thou plunge 
' Into that throng of suitors, whose rank violence 
' And riotous ^haviour reach e'en the iron heaven. 
' Not quite such servitors are theirs forsooth, 

330 ' But youths all gaily clad in cloaks and tunics, 
' Ever with glossy heads and comely faces ; 
' Such are their waiters : and with hread and wine 
' And fleshmeats are their polished tables laden 
' Full heavily. Then stay : for at thy presence 
' None is vexed here, nor I, nor any one 

335 ' Of all the mates I have. And when returns 

' Odusseus' son, he'll clothe thee in goodly raiment, 
' Mantle and tunic, and will speed thee on 
' Whithersoever thy heart and soul desire." 
Then answered him the patient prince Odusseus : 
** that to father Zeus thou wast as dear, 

340 ' As thou art to me, Eumseus ! for this rest 

* From wandering and from strange distress thou giv'st me. 
' For nothing else so bad for mortals is there 

' As restless roaming ; but sad cares men have 
' For sake of baneful belly, whensoever 

* Wandering and hardship and distress attack them. 

345 ' But come now, since thou keep'st me back and bidst me 
' Await his coming, — tell me about the mother 
' Of prince Odusseus and about his father, 
' Whom, when he went away, he left behind 
' On the threshold of old age ; and whether haply 
' They are living yet beneath the rays of Helios, 



BOOK O. 325 

' Or if dead now, and in the abode of Hades." 
350 Then answered him the bailiff, master swineherd : 
' Tell thee will I, and that right truly, Stranger : 
Laertes yet is living, but he prays 
Unceasingly to Zeus, that quiet at home 
His spirit may pass away and leave his limbs : 
For vehemently he mourns for absent son. 
And mourns for wife, wedded in youthful yore, 
Consort discreet, who to his deepest sorrow 
Wasted away, and brought him thus to old age 
Untimely. A wretched death died she, through grief. 
Grief for her glorious son : — may not so die 
Any kind neighbour here of mine at least 
Who deals in friendly deeds ! While She had being, — 
Mournful however much, so long to me 
Some pleasure 't was to seek and make enquiry ; 
For that 't was she herself who brought me up 
Together with her last-born, goodly daughter, 
The long-robed Ctimene : brought up together 
Was I with her ; and with but little less 
Of honour did she treat me. When howe'er 
We both had reached youth's lovely age of bloom, 
Her gave they in marriage to a man at Samos, 
Whence took they countless gifts. And as for me, 
She clad me in right fair raiment, cloak and tunic, 
And gave me shoes beneath my feet, and sent me 
Forth to the field ; and ever more was wont 
From heart to treat me kindly. But already 
Now do I lack all this ; yet e'en as I am, 
The happy gods here bless to me the work 
Wherein I still abide ; I've eaten and drank, 
And had whereof to give to worthy comers. 



326 



THE ODYSSEY. XY, 



375 



380 



385 



390 



395 



But from my mistress 'tis not granted me 
To catcli a sound of gentle word or deed, — 
Such troublous ill has fall'n upon her house, 
Arrogant men : the serfs meanwhile long much 
To speak before their mistress face to face, 
And to ask her everything ; and in her presence 
To eat and drink ; and then bring back to the field 
A somewhat with them, such as ever is wont 
To warm the heart of servants." In reply 
Straight answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 
' How strange ! swineherd ! so then thou, Eumseus, 
When but a little child wast driven a-far, 
Far wanderer from Thi/ fatherland and parents.! 
But tell me this, and give me true account : 
Was 't that the broad-wayed city of men was sacked, 
Wherein thy sire and lady mother dwelt ? 
Or wast thou alone, in charge of sheep or beeves. 
That foemen so surprized and took thee away 
By ship and trafficked thee at This man's house, 
And payment gave he of a goodly value ? " 
Straight answered him the bailiff, master swineherd : 
* Since then, my friend, with such close questioning 
Thou askest me these matters, sit now quiet 
And make thee merry and drink thy wine and listen ; 
For wondrous long the nights are now : time is there 
For sleep : and also time to enjoy ourselves 
And hear a tale ; and no, no need hast Thou 
To go to bed till bed-time : and indeed 
Much slumber is a kill-joy. Any of the others. 
Whose heart and soul so bid, — be off to bed ; 
Then let him break his fast with break of dawn. 
And forth together with our master's swine. 



BOOK O. 327 

Meanwhile in the hut, we two will eat and drink 
And cheer each other with remembrances 
Of sad distresses : for betwixt e'en troubles 
A man enjoys himself, whoever he is 
Already has undergone full many a toil, 
And been a wanderer far. But now I'll tell thee, 
E'en what thou askest me with such close question. 
A certain isle (may be thou know'st by hearsay). 
Called Syros, is there northward of Ortygia, 
Where are the Turnings of the Sun : not full 
Of people is 't so exceedingly : but fat, 
With goodly pasture, rich in flocks and wdne, 
And full of wheat : at no time there does Dearth 
Invade the land ; nor there upon poor mortals 
Comes any kind soe'er of hateful sickness ; 
But throughout all the realm, as folk grow old, 
So comes Apollo of the silver bow 
With Artemis, and with his gentle shafts 
Attacks and puts to death. Two towns are there. 
Whereto, betwixt them, all the lands are parcelled : 
Over them both my father was the king, 
Ctesios Ormenides, of godlike form. 
Thither once came Phoenicians, ship-famed men, 
Greedy knaves, with their dark ship freighted full 
Of countless toys. Now in my father's house 
Was a Phoenician woman, comely and tall 
And skilled in beauteous handiwork : and soon 
Were those Phoenician ever-wily rogues 
Cajoling her : first, as she was a-washing 
Down by the ship, went one and lay with her 
And gained her love : which does deceive tlie hearts 
Of the gentler womankind, e'en of a brave 



328 THE ODYSSEr. XV. 

' And well-doing woman. Then he questioned her, 
' Who might she be and whence : whereat full quickly 
' Gave she to know of her father's high-roofed house : — 
" I boast me from the brass-abounding Sidon : — 

425 ** Of Arybas, the wealthy to overflowing, 

** Daughter am I : but Taphian pirates seized me 

** A-coming from the field, and bore me off 

" And brought me hither over the sea and sold me, 

"At this man's house ; and a goodly price he gave." — 

* Anon then spake to her again the man 

' Who had gained her stealthy love : '' Now wouldst thou, eh, 

430 ** Wouldst home again go back with us, and see 

" Father's and mother's high-roofed house, and Them ? 
" For they yet live, and are accounted wealthy." — 
*To whom again the woman spake and answered : 
*' E'en so it might be ; if would at least you shipmen 
" Bind you by oath to me, to take me hence 

435 ** All scatheless home." She spake : whereat 
' E'en as she bade, they sware to hurt her not. 
' Soon as they had sworn and gone through all their oath, 
' Then thus amongst them spake again the woman 
' And answered : " Now be silent ! let not any 
" Of all you crew, that meets me, or in the street, 

440 " Or haply at the well, with words accost me ; 

*' Lest some one go to the house and tell the old man ; 

" And soon would he suspect, and bind me fast 

" In heavy bond, and devise death for You. 

'* But keep the matter close in heart, and hasten 

*' The purchase of your wares. But when your ship 

445 '^ Is fully victualled, quickly then at the palace 
" For Me let come a message : for I'll bring, 
" Aye, gold, should any chance to come to hand ; 



BOOK O. 329 

" And e'en aught else would I right willingly 
*' Give for my fare : for I've the charge and tendance 
" Of the good-man's child in the house, such a gain boy ! 
450 '^ And able now to run abroad with one : 

" Him with me would I bring on board : and fetch you 
" A countless price would He, where'er for sale 
" Beyond the sea to foreigners ye take him." — 

* So saying, away she went to the beauteous palace. 

* A whole year there the shipmen staying with us 

* Amassed and stowed much substance in their hold : 
455 * And when at length the hollow ship was laden 

' Keady for sailing, — then a messenger 

* They sent forthwith, with tidings to the woman : 
' Unto my father's house then came the man, 

' Full cunning, with a golden necklace, set 

* With amber-studs between : whereat anon 
460 * My lady mother and her household damsels 

* Kept handling it all o'er, and eyeing it 

* With all their eyes, and promising a price ; 

* While He, in silence, nodded Her a sign : 

* Nodded, and went away to his hollow ship : 

* Me by the hand anon she took, and led me 

' From forth the house. Now in the entrance hall 
485 * She found the cups and tables of the chiefs, 

* Guests of my father, who were wont to attend him. 

* To assembly and to the people's parliament 

* Gone forth were they : then quick, embossed cups, three, 
' Hid she beneath her dress and carried off ; 

* And I, I followed her, all witlessly : 

470 * 'Twas sunset, and the streets were all growing dark ; 

' But quickly stirred we and reached the well-known creek, 
' Where the Phoenicians' sea-swift ship was lying : 



330 THE ODYSSEY. XV. 

' Us both they put on board ; on board then they, 
' And soon were sailing' o'er the watery ways : 

* And Zeus sent forth a right fair wind to speed them. 
475 * Six days together sailed we night and day ; 

* But when Zeus Chronides ordained the seventh, 

* Then Artemis, the arrow-loving queen, 

' Hit with her shaft that woman ; who thereat, 
' Falling as 'twere a sea-mew, dropt down dead 

* Into the ship's hold : her then cast they forth 
' A prey for seals and fishes : left behind 

480 ' Was I howe'er with sad and aching heart. 

* At length the wind and water carried them 
*To land at Ithaca ; where, of his wealth, 

' Laertes purchased me. Thus happened it 

* That with mine eyes came I to see this land.*' 
Anon then answered him the prince Odusseus :— 

485 *' Now sure within my breast thou hast stirred the spirit 
' Full much, Eumgeus, telling me all this, 

* What heavy griefs thou hast suffered in thy heart. 
' For Thee, nathless, Good, side by side with Evil, 

* Has Zeus ordained ; as, after all thy troubles, 

* Thou hast reached the dwelling of a gentle master, 

* Who gives thee meat and drink with kindly treatment ; 
490 * And a brave life thou lead'st ; but / come hither, 

' A wand'rer 'mong mankind to many a Town." 
In such-like talk conversed they each with other, 
And then lay down to sleep, for no long time. 
But only a little ; for the fair-throned Eos 
Came suddenly. — Meanwhile, now close to shore, 
495 The comrades of Telemachus struck sail. 

And with all haste hauled down the mast, and rowed 
The galley into a moorage, and cast anchors. 



BOOK O. 331 

And made her mooring cables fast : and forth 

Upon the sea-beach stepped they from on board ; 

Then straight began to make their breakfast ready 

And mixed the sparkling wine. Soon as desire 
500 For meat and drink they had put away, anon 

In prudent spirit began Telemachus : 
^ You now, row you the dusky ship to the Town ; 
While to the field will I, and to the herdsmen : 
And when I've had an eye upon my lands 
To Town I'll come in the evening; and at morn, 
505 * Wages for voyage, will I set before you 

A gallant feast of fleshmeat and smooth wine." 

Then spake to him godlike Theoclymenos : 
* And I, dear boy, which way ani I to go ? 
To whose halls shall I here, of all the men 
Who in rocky Ithaca bear lordly sway ? 
510 * Unto thy mother's mansion shall I straight 
And thine ?" To whom replied Telemachus 

In prudent spirit : *^ Far otherwise would I 
Forsooth, and that to Our house, bid thee come ; 
For no guest misses there kind entertainment : 
But worse 't were now for thee, I not being there, 
Nor will my mother see thee : for indeed 
515 * By no means often does she shew herself 
In presence of the suitors in the house, 
But keeps aloof from Them, and weaves her web 
In the upper rooms. But of a man I'll tell thee, 
To whom mayst go, shrewd Polybos' bright son 
Eurymachus, on whom, as were he a god 
The Ithacans now turn their eyes ; for sure 
520 * He is far the choicest man, and bides the likeliest 
To wed my mother, and to win and hold 



332 THE ODYSSEY. XV. 

' Odusseus' high prerogative. But This^ — 

' Olympian Zeus who dwells in heaven knows This, 

' Whether on all of Them he '11 bring to pass 

* The day of evil ere their day of marriage !" 
As yet he spake, came flying towards his right 

525 A bird, Apollo's speedy messenger, 

A falcon, with a ring-dove in his talons ; 

And he kept rending her, and scattered down 

Her feathers to the ground, between the ship 

And prince Telemachus. Whom straight aloof 

From all his comrades Theoclymenos 

Now called and clasped his hand and spake this word 

o30 And uttered it aloud : '' Telemachus ! 

' Now sure, no, not without the god has flown 
' This right-hand lucky bird ; for him at sight 
' At once I noted for a bird of omen ; 
' And Than your own none other race more kingly 

* Is there in all the land of Ithaca ! 

' But you. You ever, are the rulers there." 
535 In prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 

** Would that this word, my friend, might be fulfilled ! 

* So shouldst thou quickly recognize my friendship 
' And many a gift, that whosoe'er should meet thee 
' Should surely call thee happy." Spake he thus ; 
Then, turning to his trusty friend Peirseus, 

He said; '^Peirgeus Cly tides, thou chiefly, 
540 ' Of all the friends who 've been with me to Pylos, 

* Art buxom unto me in every matter ; 

' And now this stranger, take him to thy home, 
'And treat him kindly for me, and with honour, 
' Until I come." Whereat straight answered him 
Spear-famed Peirseus : " Yea, Telemachus, 



BOOK O. 333 

' Doubt not, but bowso long time here stayst Thou^ — 
545 * / '11 take good care of Him, nor shall be miss 

* A guest's due rights." Saying thus, he went on board, 
And bade his mates on board and loose the moorings. 
Anon then hied they on board and sat them down 
Upon the thwarts. Telemachus meanwhile 
Bound his fair shoes beneath his feet, and took 
550 From off the deck his sturdy lance, all sharp 

With brazen point : then loosed the crew their moorings, 
And, soon away, were sailing for the Town, 
E'en as had bidden them Telemachus, 
Godlike Odusseus' son. And as for Him, 
Soon at quick pace his legs were carrying him. 
Until he reached the yard ; where lay his swine 
^^^ In countless multitude, whereof the swineherd. 
So good, kept ever charge, and with them spent 
Night after night, on his lords' thrift intent. 



334 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 



ABGUMENT OF THE SIXTEENTH BOOK. 11. 

Telemaclius makes liis appearance at the farmstead, to the great delight of 
the swineherd ; and asks who his venerable old guest is, and expresses 
sorrow at not being able to offer him hospitality at his own house. He 
sends Eumseus to acquaint Penelope with his safe return : and, in the 
swineherd's absence, Odusseus, by Athene's aid throws off his disguise and 
resumes his own -vigor and fresh apparel ; and makes himself known to 
his son : they consult how to slay the suitors. Meanwhile, one of Tele- 
maclius' shipmates reaches Penelope with the news of his return, at the 
same moment as Eumaeus does. The suitors learn with grief the failure 
of their ambuscade, and plot afresh. Penelope, hearing of the matter, 
openly accuses and rebukes Antinoiis. Eumasus, at night, returns to 
Telemachus and Odusseus, now in his disguise again. 

PI: how Odusseus, in the srcineherd's absence, 
Doffs his disguise be/ore Telemachus. 



At the liut meanwhile, with early peep of Eos, 

The two, the noble swineherd and Odusseus, 

Had lit the fire, and were preparing breakfast ; 

And the herdsmen sent they out with the hogs to pasture. 

Anon began the dogs to wag their tails, 

And, though all given to barking as they were, 

Yet barked not at Telemacbus' approach. 

The prince Odusseus noted the dogs fawning; 

And now about his ears came the tramping noise 

Of a pair of feet. Whereat in winged words 

Thus quick he addressed Eumaeus : ^' Sure, Eumssus, 

* Some friend of thine comes hither, or at least 

' Well-known acquaintance, for the dogs bark not, 



BOOK n. 335 

10 ' But fawning' wag their tails ; and a tramping sound 

* Of coming feet I hear." Spoken but scarcely 
Was all the word, when stood witliin the porch 

His own dear son : whereat upsprang the swineherd 
Astounded : from his hands out fell the vessels 
Wherewith engaged all busy was he mingling 
The ruddy wine ; and he hied to meet his lord ; 

15 And with warm tear, big starting forth, he kissed him, 
His head, both hands, and both his beauteous eyes. 
And as a loving father welcomes back 
His son, his only son, his last-born child. 
Home in the tenth year from a far-off land, 
For whom he has suffered many a pang; e'en so 

20 The noble swineherd clung around and kissed 
Godlike Telemachus, as having 'scaped 
Safe out of death : and thus in winged words 
All yet in tears he spake : ^'0 my sweet Light ! 

* Thou art come, Telemachus ! Thee nevermore 
' Thought I to see again, when once by ship 

* Wast gone away to Pylos : but, dear boy, 
25 * Come now, come in, that I may gladden me 

* In heart at sight of thee within-doors now 

' Fresh from abroad. For no, not com'st thou often 
' To the field or herdsmen ; but abid'st in Town, 

* For so delights it now thy heart, 1 ween, 

' To look upon that Hellish troop of suitors !" 
30 In prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 

" So shall it be, dad! for for the nonce I'm come 
' Hither to thee, both with mine eyes to see thee, 

* And from thy mouth to hear, whether at home 
' My mother yet remains to me, or whether 

* Some one or other of those men already 



336 THE ODYSSEY, XVI. 

' Has married her ; while haply Odusseus' bed 
35 * Lies covered o'er with spiders' noisome webs, 
^ From want of occupants and furniture." 
Him then the bailiff, master-swineherd, answered : 
** Yea, sure enough abide does She forsooth 

* Within thy halls, with firm enduring heart ; 

* But aye in tears are spent her nights and days 
40 * Of dreariness." Anon, so saying, he took 

The prince's brazen lance who straightway stepped 

Over the stone-hewn threshold and went in. 

Soon as come in, his sire Odusseus rose 

To give him place : Telemachus howe'er 

Courteous in turn restrained him thus : " stranger, 

' Be seated still : e'en somewhere else for Us 

45 * In our own farmstead We shall find a seat : 

' And the good man 's at hand who '11 set me one." 

He spake ; whereat his father turned again 

And sat him down ; and soon the swineherd strewed 

Green brush-wood with a fleece a-top, whereon 

Then sat him down Odusseus' dear-loved son. 

And now the swineherd brought and set before them 

50 Trenchers of roasted fleshmeat, the remains 
Of yesternight's repast ; and bread beside them 
He piled in baskets hastily, and mixed 
Honey-smooth wine in bowl of ivy-wood ; 
Then sat him o'er against the prince Odusseus. 
Now on the viands ready set before them 

^^ Hands reached they forth : and when they had put away 
Desire for meat and drink, Telemachus 
Spake thus to the noble swineherd : ** Dad ! whence comes 
' This guest of thine ? and how was 't sailors brought him 
'To Ithaca? whom boasted they themselves? 



BOOK IT. 337 

' For hither came he not on foot, I ween." 
60 Then answeredst thou, swineherd, kind Eumseus : 
*' Yea, tell thee, son, will I, all true : his race 

* He boasts from roomy Crete, and says he has roamed 

* Wandering about to many a town in the world : 

* For by his Fate e'en so 'twas destined him. 

* And to my farmstead now is he come, by flight 
65 ' Escaped from a Thesprotian merchantship : 

' But I, I'll put him into Thy hands now : 

' Do, as thou wilt : he avows to be thy suppliant." 

With prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 

*' Eumseus, here forsooth thou hast spoken a word 

* Heart-grieving quite : for how indeed at home 
70 * Should I receive this guest ? I'm but a youth, 

* And trust not yet these arms of mine to guard me 

* From any man, whoe'er should first use violence. 

* And in my mother's heart her spirit in doubt 
' All wavers, whether there to abide with me, 

* And mind the household thrift, and have regard 
75 ' Still to her husband's bed, and the people's voice ; 

' Or whether now to attach herself to the man 

' Whoe'er is noblest of the Achaian Wooers 

' Within her halls, and brings the largest dowry. 

' But for this guest of thine who has reached thy dwelling, 

* I'll clothe him in fair raiment, cloak and tunic : 
80 * A two-edged sword and shoes beneath his feet 

' I'll also give him, and I'll speed him forth, 

' Whithersoe'er his heart and soul desires. 

' But Thou, if wouldst thou, keep and treat him kindly, 

' Here in the farmstead : I, I'll send him clothes ; 

'All manner of victuals also for his eating; 

' That so he drain not thee and thy fellows here. 

22 



338 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 

85 ' But no, not would I suffer him go yonder 

^ Among the suitors ; for their wonted 'haviour 
* Is all such arrogance and wanton riot; 
' Lest m^ke they a mock at him, which were to me 
^ A grievous heart-ache. And a difficult matter 
^ For one, e'en were he a man of might, to achieve 
' Aught against numbers ; for they're far the stronger." 
90 Then straight the much-enduring prince Odusseus 

Addressed him : '' Friend, — since sure now e'en for me 
'Tis meet and right to answer,— torn to pieces 
Yea is my very heart to hear the tale 
Ye tell of suitors thus within your halls, 
Against the will of such as thou, and scheming 
Such wanton foil}". Tell me, whether willing 
95 * Thou lett'st thyself be overpowered ; or whether. 
Following an oracle divine, do the people 
Throughout the realm hold thee, yea Thee, in hatred ; 
Or whether throw'st thou any blame on brethren ; 
On whom forsooth a man puts ready trust 
In doing battle, however fierce the strife. 
'would so young were I, with this my spirit, 
100 ^ Or were I a son of blemishless Odusseus, 

Or e'en Himself ! Then might some foreign foe 
Strike off my head at once, did I not enter 
The hall of Laertiades Odusseus, 
And prove myself a plague to all those wooers ! 
And should they by their numbers overpower me, 
105 ' Me being but one, die outright would I rather. 
Yea murdered in my halls, than witness such, 
Such ever shameful doings as these forsooth ; 
Strangers ill-used, and women-servants dragged 
In manner unseemly about the beauteous palace, — 



BOOK IT. 339 

* Continual drain of wine and gorging meat, 
110 ^ All aimlessl}^, at idle and endless work." 

With prudent spirit Telemachus then answered : 
** Yea Stranger, I, I'll tell thee this right truly : 

* Against me no ways roused to hate, or sore, 
' Are any of the people : neither blame 

' Do I cast on brethren, whom in doing battle 
llo * A man relies on, fierce howe'er the strife. 
' For sino'le in this wise has Chronion made 
' Our race; Arcesios gat an only son, 

* Laertes ; He too an only son, Odusseus ; 

* And then Odusseus but an only son, 

* Me, whom a babe he left behind at home 
120 * And of me had no joy : 'tis therefore now 

' Within our house are enemies, yea countless. 

' For many as are the nobles holding sway 

^ Throughout these isles of Samos and Dulichium 

* And forest-clad Zacynthos, many as also 
' In rocky Ithaca hold lordly rank, 

125 ' They all woo my mother, and they waste our house. 
' And She — refuses not their hateful suit, 
' Nor can she think to grant accomplishment. 
Thus do these wasters eat up all my house ; 
' Full soon me too they'll bring to wreck and ruin. 
' Yet rests forsooth the issue of these matters 

130 'All with the gods. But, Dad, now hie thee quickly 
To shrewd Penelope, and say I'm safe 
' And sound, here back from Pylos. I'll stay here : 
' And when thou hast told to her alone the tidings, 

* Hither return thou : but of those Achaians 

* Let none hear aught ; for full are they all of mischief, 
' Plotting against me." Spak'st thou then in answer, 



340 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 

135 swineherd, kind Eumseus : " Yea, I know ; 
' I wist ; to one that understands full well 

* Thou sayst thy bidding. But now tell me this, 

* And give me sure account : ill-starred Laertes, 
' Shall I to Him go also with the tidings, 

' All in my way 1 for he, while sorely mourning 
' Odusseus, yet was wont to have an eye 

140 ^ To the business of the field, and ate and drank 

' With the household serfs, whene'er his soul desired : 

' But now, they say, e'er since by ship to Pylos 

' Hast Thou too gone away, not as before 

' Has He yet eaten and drank, nor had an eye 

' Upon the business of the field ; but sad 

145 ' He sits in sorrow and w^ailing ; and the flesh 
' Withers upon his bones." In prudent spirit 
Telemachus replied: " So much the worse ; 

* But for all that, him howsoe'er in grief 

* We'll let be yet : for if methinks, to mortals 
' Were every thing all left to their free choice, 

* Choose would we first the day of home-return 

150 ^ For Him, my sire. But thou, go take thy message, 
' And hie thee back : not by the fields go roaming 
' After my grandsire. Tell my mother also 

* To send her woman of the storeroom charge 
' Privily, with all speed, and She may carry 

' The old man the news." He spake, and urged the swineherd, 
Who straightway took his shoes in hand and bound them 
155 Beneath his feet, and townwards went he forth : 

But, going from forth his farmstead, not unnoticed 
By Athene was the swineherd, kind Eumseus : 
Anon then drew she near, in bodily form 
Seeming a woman, comely and tall, and skilled 



BOOK n. 341 

In splendid handiwork. And unto Odusseiis 
Manifest, o'er against the cottage door, 

160 She stood : Telemachus howe'er saw not 

Her presence, neither was he aware : for the gods 

Shew themselves manifest yet not to all : 

But hoth Odusseus and the dogs perceived her ; 

Yet barked they not, but whining fled aloof, 

Scared, through the farmstead. Straight then with her 

brows 
A sign she made him ; and the prince Odusseus 

16o Took note, and forth from out the house he went 

Beyond the yard's great wall, and stood before her ; 

When spake to him thus x\thene : ^'0 ever-ready 

' Odusseus, Jove-sprung Laertiades ! 

' Now to thy son, now, now bring all to light, 

' Hide not from him thy speech ; that so for the suitors 

' May ye contrive a violent doom and death, 

170 ' And go forthwith to the noisy town : and from ye, 
' No, not long absent will I be myself, 
' Fain for the fight." So saying, with golden wand 
Athene touched him : first then put she upon him 
A fresh-washed ample cloak and beauteous tunic 
About his chest, and raised his bodily stature 
And youthful bloom. Thus now became he again 

175 Dark, sun-burnt, as before ; and jaws plumped out ; 
And swarthy beard grown all about his chin. 
Thus wrought she, and straight withdrew : then into the hut 
Keturned Odusseus : all astonied at him 
Was then his son, who turned away his eyes, 
Fearing it were a god, and thus addressed him 

180 With winged words : *' Other, stranger. Now 

' Thou seem'st than heretofore ! and hast upon thee 



342 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 

' Other apparel ; and the same no longer 
' Thy person ! Sure art some one of the gods 
' Who occupy hroad heaven : but 0, be gracious ! 

* And pleasing sacrifices will we give thee, 

185 'And fine-wrought gifts of gold: but spare thou us." 
Straight answered him the patient prince Odusseus : 
'Tm never a god ! why likenest me to the deathless ? 

* But I'm thy father ! he, for the sake of whom 

' Mourning art Thou, and suffering many a pang 

* Under the violent spite of men !" So saying, 
190 He kissed his son ; and down his cheeks let fall 

A tear to the ground ; though ever hitherto 
All firm he had held. Telemachus howe'er 
(Not trusting yet, how that it was his father). 
E'en once again thus answered him and said : 
'' Not art Odusseus Thou! Thou'rt not my father! 
195 ' But spell-binds me some god, that I may weep 
' And wail yet more : for sure no mortal man, 
' Of his own wit alone at least, might ever 

* Contrive like this ; save when a god might come 

* And easily by himself, were he so willing, 

' Make one or old, or young. For sure, but now 

* An old man wast thou and clad in garb unseemly ; 
200 * But like the gods, who occupy broad heaven, 

' Art now ! " Odusseus ever-ready answered : 
*' Telemachus : Not fitting is it for thee 
' To be so astounded and to wonder so 

* Out of all measure, ai; thy father home. 

* Other Odusseus none will e'er come hither : 
205 ' But yea e'en He, the very same, am I, 

* Through many an evil pass and many a trouble, 

* Back to my fatherland in the twentieth year. 



BOOK IT, 343 

^ The doing of This however is of Athene, 

* The Forager : 't is She who made me thus, 

* Of her own will and pleasure ; for she can ; 

* At one time like a beggar, at another 

210 ' Like a young man, and clad in fair apparel. 
' For to the gods who occupy broad heaven 
' An easy matter it is to glorify, 
' Or to abase, a mortal man." So saying. 
He sat him down : while shedding tears apace 
Telemachus embraced his gallant father 
And wept upon him. On them both there stole 

215 A sudden yearning after tender tears. 

And wailed they aloud, more vehemently than birds, 
Ospreys or hook-clawed vultures, when their young, 
Ere fledged for flight, have just been carried off" 
By countrymen : e'en so did They let fall 
From underneath their brows the piteous tear. 

220 And down upon their weeping sure had gone 
The light of Helios, but that all on a sudden 
To his father thus outspake Telemachus : 
*^ But in what ship, dear father mine, did shipmen 
' Now bring thee here to Ithaca ? who were they ? 
' For hither not on foot cam'st thou, methinks." 

225 Straight answered him the patient prince Odusseus : 
" Yea my son, I, I'll lay thee down the truth : 
' Ship-famed Phseacians were they brought me hither, 

* Who speed e'en all who go to them for aid : 

* And in their ship, so swift upon the deep, 

' To Ithaca they brought me and set me down 
230 * While sleeping : splendid gifts they gave me too, 
' Both brass and heaps of gold and woven apparel : 
' Treasured in caves are these at the god's behest. 



344 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 

' Hither too now, by Athene's ready warning, 

* I'm come, to plan for the slaughter of our foes. 
' Come tell me then the number of the suitors, 

235 ' And give me account thereof, that I may know 

* How many men and who they be ; then pondering 
^ Within my gallant heart would I consider, 

' Whether alone, without the help of others, 
' Able shall be we two to set ourselves 
' Against them ; or for other's aid beside 

* Shall we look out." Whereat with prudent spirit 
240 Telemachus replied : *' father, ever 

' Wont have I been to hear thy great renown, 

* How ready with thine arm in battle art thou, 
' And how with wit in council : but too largely 
' Hast spoken here ! amazement overcomes me ! 
' It might not be, for two men ever to cope 

' In battle against great odds, and them so mighty ! 
245 ^ Not a mere ten indeed of the suitors is there, 
^ Nor two tens only, but they're many more : 
' But here shalt quickly know the number of them : 

* First then, are two and fifty from Dulichium 

' Choice youths ; and six the varlets that attend them 

* From Samos are there four and twenty sparks : 
250 * Sons of Achaians twenty from Zacynthos : 

* And nobles here from Ithaca itself 

* Are twelve in all : and with them is there also 
' A herald, Medon ; and a Bard divine; 

* Two pages also, skilled in the art of carving 

* And handy at banquets. If were we to face 
' All these together in the house, — full bitter, 

256 ' I fear, and horrible wouldst thou haply find it 

* To have come for vengeance on their violent doings. 



BOOK n. 345 

' But thou, if canst bethink thee of any helper, 

* Consider, who there were, with ready soul, 

* Might be our aid." Then answered him Odusseus 
The much-enduring prince : " Indeed will I, 

' I'll tell thee and take thou heed and hear me, and think 
260 ' Whether Athene and father Zeus together 
' Can succour us, or whether any other 
' Helper should I devise." With prudent spirit 
Telemachus replied : ^' Good, indeed good, 

* Are Those defenders both, whereof thou speakest, 
' High howsoe'er in clouds they sit above ; 

2^D * For They, they rule e'en over all, both men 

' And deathless gods." Again then spake the prince 
Odusseus much-enduring: ** No long while 

* From the fierce battle-cry will They be aloof, 

* Whene'er within my halls shall be decided 

* The raging might of Ares, 'twixt the suitors 
270 * And us !— But thou, with the early peep of Eos, 

' Return thou home and join in company 

' With the saucy suitors. To the Town thereafter 

' Me, in the likeness of a beggar, old 

* And wretched, shall the swineherd bring. And if, 
' About the house, they treat me with dishonour, 

* Yet let the very heart within thy breast 

275 * Endure, the while I suffer their ill treatment : 

' Yea, though e'en through the house and out of doors 
' By foot they drag me, or hit me with their missiles : 

* Yet thou, at the sight, be patient. Courteously 

* Accosting them howe'er with gentle words 

^ Bid them leave off their thoughtlessness : but they, 

* They'll heed thee never a whit : for close upon them 
280 * Is now their day of doom. And somewhat else 



346 



THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 



' I'll say to thee ; and lay it thou well to heart ; 
' Whene'er Athene with her ready counsel 
*Into my heart shall put it, with my head 

* I'll nod thee a sign ; whereof take thou good note, 
' And then whatever fighting gear and weapons 

* Are lying within the palace, yea even all, 
285 ' Carry them off and put them by in a closet 

' Of the high-roofed store-room : should howe'er the suitorc 
' Miss them and ask thee questions, wheedle them 

* With courteous w^ords as thus : ^' I've put them by 
" From out the smoke ; for like the same no longer 
** Are they as erst Odusseus left behind 

'' When setting forth for Troy ; but all disfigured, 
290 '* So much the breath of fire has passed upon them : 
*' Into my heart Chronion also has put 
**This of yet greater moment; lest, with wine 
*' Drunken perchance, ye should begin amongst ye 
'* Some fray, and one wound other, and ye bring 
" Dishonour thus both on your feast and wooing : 
*' For the bare weapon draws a man to use it." — 
295 * For Us two alone, yet leave, wherewith to arm us, 

* Two swords, two spears and two wild-ox-hide bucklers, 
' Whereto we'll make a sudden rush and seize them : 

* Then will Athene Pallas and high Zeus, 

' The lord of Counsel, spell-bind all the suitors. 
' Yet else I'll say, and lay it thou well to heart ; 
800 * If art thou truly mine, and of our blood, 
' Then let none hear a word about Odusseus 

* Being home ; but This— let not Laertes even, 

' Nor let the swineherd, neither any of the household 
' Know This ; nor e'en Penelope herself: 
' But only thou, thou and I alone, we'll con 



BOOK IT. 347 

* The women's aim : and trial we '11 also make 

305 * Of each and all the men-slaves, which among them 
' At heart holds Us in reverence and esteem ; 

* And which neglects, and treats with disrespect 

* The like of thee." Straight answered him and spake 
His glorious son : *' father ! sure, yea sure, 

' Then shalt thou note, I ween, what spirit is mine ; 
310 ' For no, no unbridled wont of mind have I : 

* Yet I do fear how this to neither of us 

* Will turn out gain : and thou, bethink thee, I beg. 

* For thus in going about to the fields, for trial 

' Of each and all, long shouldst thou learn in vain : 
' While at their ease are They in thy halls, devouring 
315 ' Thy substance proudly, and thrift there is no longer. 

* But indeed urge I thee, search out the women, 

' Both which dishonour thee, and which are guiltless. 
' But not would I, to the farmsteads go we about 
' To prove the men ; be this an after-care ; 

* If really at least thou know'st some certain sign 
320 ' Of aid from ^gis-bearing Zeus." 'T was thus 

Talking were they together. Just brought to 

Was then to Ithaca the trim-built ship. 

She that from Pylos brought Telemachus 

And all his mates : now when they had reached the inside 

Of the full deep harbour, up ashore they hauled 

325 The dusky ship, wherefrom their bold companions 
Carried her tackle ; and straight the beauteous gifts 
They bore to Glytius' house : while sent they a herald 
To Odusseus' halls with tidings to the queen, 
Thoughtful Penelope, that back in the field 
Was now Telemachus, and how he had ordered 

330 The ship to sail away and gain the Town : 



348 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 

Lest haply should the mighty queen be alarmed 
Within her spirit and shed the tender tear. 
Thus they, the herald and the noble swineherd, 
Bearing the self-same tidings to the lady. 
Fell in together by the way. At length, 

335 When to the royal palace had they come. 

To the queen amidst her women spake the herald : 
*' Eeturned to thee, Queen, is now thy son." 
Then to Penelope drew near the swineherd, 
And standing close told all her son had bidden. 
And soon as all his charge he had throughly told, 

340 Back on his way to his hogs he went, and left 
Both court and palace all behind. Meanwhile, 
Downcast in spirit and saddened were the suitors : 
Then from the hall they sallied forth and went 
Beyond the courts' great wall, and there they sat them 
Before the gates ; when thus Eurymachos 

345 Polybus' son began : ** Now proudly achieved, 
' Sure by Telemachus, friends, has been 
' A mighty work, this voyage ! and the while 
' Thinking were we 't would not by Him be achieved. 
' But launch we a dark ship quick, the best we may ; 
* And gather a crew of oarsmen for the sea 

350 * To speed with message to our friends out yonder 
' And bid them home apace." But scarcely spoken 
Was all the word, when, chancing to turn round, 
Amphinomus espied the ship just in, 
In the deep harbour, and their comrades in her 
Taking in sail, and some with oars in hand. 
Then, sweetly laughing out, he said to his friends : 

355 " No hurry now ; no message need we send ; 

^ For here ! they're in ! Or some one of the gods 



BOOK n. 349 

' Has told them this ; or else themselves have spied 
' That ship gone past, and catch her could they not." 
He spake ; then up they rose and hied away 
Down to the beach, and quickly hauled ashore 

360 The dusky ship, wherefrom their bold companions 
Carried her tackle. Then to the session-place. 
All as they were, they went in throngs : but suffered 
None else, or young or old, to sit there with them. 
Then outspake thus Eupeithes' son, Antinoos ; 
** strange ! how rescued have the gods this man 

365 ' From evil pass ! O'days, unceasingly 
' One after other watching sat our spies 

* Upon the gusty cliffs : at sundown too, 

* We never passed the night on shore, but ever 

* In the swift ship kept sailing on the deep 

* Till sacred Morn, waylaying Telemachus, 

' To catch and slay him : home howe'er his Luck 
370 ' Has meanwhile brought him back : but gloomy Death 
' Devise we here for this Telemachus ; 
' And let him not escape us : for, methinks, 
' While He at least yet lives, our business here 

* Will come to no good end. For he of himself 
' Is wise in understanding and in counsel ; 

375 ' And now no longer do the people shew us 
' Favour in any way. But haste ye now, 

* Ere the Achaians has he called together 

' Into assembly ; for not slack, methinks, 

* Will He be at all ; but wroth ; and up he'll stand 
' Before them all, and tell, how we w^ere plotting 

' His downright murder and how we caught him not : 
380 ' And they, at the hearing of our deeds of mischief, 
' Will not allow them. Look then, lest they do us 



350 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 

' Some ill, and drive us out from our own land 

* To seek another country. But beforehand 
' Be we to slay him, while aloof from Town, 

^ At field or on his way : then fairly among us 
385 * Share we, and have and hold, his goods and chattels ; 
^ And to his mother would we give the house 

* To have with whosoe'er should marry her. 

* If this plan please you not howe'er, but rather 

* You would, he lives and holds the inheritance 

* Of all his sire's estate, — then throng we not 

* Together here, and eat up thus his goods, 

390 ' Pleasant enough to our souls ; but each by himself, 
' From oat the house, let every rival suitor 

* Still woo with wedding gifts : then may she wed 

* Whoe'er brings most, and proves her destined lord." 
He spake : whereat they all were still and silent ; 
Till thus amongst them spake Amphinomos, 

395 Famed son of Nisos Aretiades ; 

He, from Dulichium's grassy and corn-rich isle, 

Was wont among the suitors to take lead ; 

And by his words most pleased Penelope ; 

For furnished was he with a good brave wit : 

And now with kindly thought he thus addressed them ; 
400 '^ friends ! no, not would I, for my part, slay 

' Telemachus : a fearful matter is it 

' To slay the royal issue : but enquire we 

' The gods' wills first : if mighty Jove's decrees 

' Allow it indeed, then be for killing him 

' Will I myself, and bid all here the like : 
405 ^ But should the gods warn off, have done, I entreat you.' 

So spake Amphinomos ; whose word well pleased them. 

Then rose they and straight repaired to Odusseus' palace ; 



BOOK n. 351 

Went in, and sat tliem on the polished thrones. 
Meanwhile, the sage Penelope thought out 
A new device, to appear before the suitors, 
410 Aiming as were they still at wanton violence. 
For in the palace heard she about the plot 
To slay her son : the herald Medon told her. 
As heard had he their plans. So down she came 
To the great hall with her attendant women : 
Now when this fair of woman-kind had reached 
The suitors' presence, then before her cheeks 
415 Holding the glossy lappets of her kerchief 

She stopped beside the strong-built roofs fair pillar, 
And spake this word of chiding unto Antinoos, 
And uttered it aloud : '^ mischief-plotter ! 
Antinoos ! full of arrogance and riot ! 
Yes ! yet they say of thee, that the best art Thou 
Amongst thine age in the land of Ithaca, 
420 * Best both in wit and words : but no, not Thou 

Wast ever such ! Madman ! and why plott'st Thou 
Dark doom and slaughter for Telemachus ? 
Nor heed'st the law twixt hosts and suppliant comers, 
Witness to whom is Zeus ? and to plot mischief 
Either for other is against his law. 
Know'st not, how once a suppliant fugitive 
425 ' Fearing the people came thy father hither ? 

For passing wroth they were, for that he had gone 
Banded with Taphian pirates and had vexed 
Thesprotians, who with us were leagued in friendship. 
Him would they sure have done to death, and reft him 
Aye. of his very heart ; and all his living 
Pleasant and plenteous had they eaten up, 
430 ' Had not Odusseus checked and kept them back, 



352 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 

Fain howsoe'er they were. And Now, His House 
Without requital eat'st thou up ; and wooest 
His wife ; and slay'st his son ; and heavily 
Me dost thou trouble : but have done, I urge thee : 
And bid thou so the rest." Then answered her 
Polybos' son, Eurymachus : ^' Cheer up ! 
435 * Thoughtful Penelope, Icarius' daughter ! 

Nor let such thoughts as these weigh on thy heart. 
The man is not, nor shall be, nor indeed 
May he be born, should ever lay his hands 
Upon thy son Telemachus, whilst living 
Am I at least, and see the light on earth ; 
440 * For this I'll say right out, and brought to pass 
Verily shall it be ; soon His black blood 
Should spurt about our spear : for many a time 
Yea me has the city-wasting chief, Odusseus, 
Set on his knees, and put the roasted meat 
Into my hands, and held me his ruddy wine. 
445 * Wherefore to me Telemachus is dearest 

Far beyond all men : and I exhort him have 
No dread of Death, not at least from the suitors : 
Avoid it from the gods, howe'er, one cannot." 
So spake he encouragement ; yet plotting was he 
Himself the prince's death. Now went the queen 
Back to her splendid upper rooms, and there 
450 Mourned weeping for her lord, her dear Odusseus ; 
Until at length the Bright-eyed One, Athene, 
Poured down upon her eyelids balmy sleep. 
*T was evening when returned the noble swineherd 
To Odusseus and his son : a yearling hog 
Had they just slain, and now were busy at it 
Making their supper ready : anon Athene 



BOOK n, 353 

455 Drew near to Odiisseus Laertiades, 

Just struck him with her wand, and forthwith made him 

An ancient man again ; and sorry garments 

Put she ahout his limbs : lest seeing* his face 

The swineherd should bewray him and not keep close 

The matter in his heart, but go with the tidings 

To shrewd Penelope. The foremost word 

460 To him now spake Telemachus : "So back, 
' Noble Eumseus ! What's the town-talk now ? 
' And are those gallant suitors back again, 

* In from their lurking place ? or watch they yet 

* To stop my coming home ?" Then answeredst thou 
swineherd, kind Eumseus : " Not my care 

465 ' Was it, in going along the Town, to enquire 

' And ask such matters : but my heart sure bade me 
' Go with best speed I might and tell the message 
' And hither back again. With me howe'er 
' There walked a speedy messenger, a herald 

* Sent by thy comrades ; and his tale he first 
' Told to thy mother. This howe'er yet else 

470 ' I know forsooth, for with mine eyes I saw it : 

' Just now, above the Town, on the hill of Hermes 
' As walking was I along, I spied a ship 

* Entering our port ; and many men were in her. 

* Laden she was with double-fitted spears 

'And shields: and thought I sure 'twas They; but 
nought 
475 ' Do I know." He spake : whereat with glancing eyes 
His sacred mightiness Telemachus 
Looked at his sire and smiled ; but kept avoiding 
The swineherd's eye. Now when they had done their 
task. 



354 THE ODYSSEY. XVI. 

And ready had made the feast, they sat and feasted 
Nor in the gallant banquet had the soul 
A want of aught. And when of meat and drink 
480 They all had put away desire, then soon 

Hied they to bed, and took Sleep's gentle boon. 



BOOK 



355 



ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTEENTH BOOK. P. 

Telemachus returns home and tells his mother the chief events of his foreign 
visit. Theoclymenos, the fugitive seer whom Telemachus had brought 
with him to Ithaca, prophesies to Penelope the immediate return of 
Odusseus. Odusseus does immediately come, in his disguise, conducted 
by Eumfeus. On his approaching the palace, he is recognised by his old 
favorite hound, Argus, who dies in his master's sight. How Odusseus 
begs food of the suitors : they give him food : Antinoos, however, abuses 
him and even hurls a footstool at him. Eimieeus returns to the farm, 
leaving Odusseus at the palace. 

RHO : how Odusseus coming to his palace 

Is recognised by his aged favorite hound. 

He begs before the suitors : how they treat him. 



When peeped the dawn-sprung rosy-fingered Eos, 
Godlike Odusseus' son Telemachus 
Straight bound his comely shoes beneath his feet, 
Seized his strong lance, right handy to his grasp. 
And, town-ward bent, he thus addressed the Swineherd 
5 *^ To Town now going am I, Dad ! for my mother 
' To look upon me ; for methinks till Me, 

* My very self, she sees, not will she rest 

' From tearful grief and wailing lamentation : 

* But thus on thee I enjoin : into the Town 

* Guide this unhappy Stranger, that by begging 
10 ' He there may get a meal ; and haply some one 

* May have the will, and give him cup and loaf. 



^S THE ODYSSEY. XVII. 

' But I, with all sncli troubles at my heart, 
' I can in no wise entertain all comers : 

* And should the stranger cherish wrath hereat, 

* Howe'er so much, 't will sure now for himself 
15 ' Be but the worse ; e'en so ; for dear to me 

* To speak truth is it." "Whereat then answered him 
Odusseus ever-ready : '* Nor so eager 

*To be detained, friend, am I myself: 
*''T is better for a beggar to go begging 
' In Town than in the country for a meal : 
' And haply some may have the will, and give me. 
20 * For of the age no longer am I now 

* To keep at farm-stead service, and obey 

* All calls and orders of an overseer. 

* But go thy way ; and me this man will guide 

* (As thou so bidst him), soon as at the fire 

' Warmed shall I be, and the sun's heat be risen 

* (For strangely vile are these, these clothes I wear) ; 
25 ^ Lest the early frost of morning strike me dead ; 

' And a far way ye tell me it is to the Town. — " 
He spake : and through the farmstead striding forth 
Telemachus out stepped with hasty feet. 
Thoughtfully planting mischief for the suitors. 
Soon as he had reached the pleasant dwelling house, 
His lance up laid he against the lofty pillar, 
30 Stepped o'er the stone-hewn threshold and went in. 
Foremost of all to see him was the nurse, 
Old Eurycleia, who was busily spreading 
Soft fleecy skins upon the fair-decked thrones : 
In tears forthwith right straight she came to meet him ; 
And gathering soon about him were the others, 
The women-slaves of patient-souled Odusseus, 



BOOK P. .357 

35 Greeting and kissing him on his head and shoulders. 
Anon from forth her chamber came the queen, 
Thoughtful Penelope, like Artemis,* 
And golden Aphrodite : t flung she, in tears. 
Her arms about her dear-loved son and kissed him, 
His head and both his beauteous eyes ; and to him 

40 In winged words all weeping spake she thus : 
" Art come then ! my sweet Light, Telemachus ! 
' On thee ne'ermore thought I to look again, 

* When, all without my will, and privily, 

* By ship thou hacst gone to Pylos after tidings 

' Of thy dear sire. But come now, give me account 
' Of all thou hast chanced to see." With prudent spirit 
45 Telemachus replied: " mother mine, 

' Now call not forth my grief, nor move the heart 
' Within my breast, so barely have I escaped 
' From downright death : but to thine upper chamber, 
' With thine attendant women go thou and bathe, 
' And on thy limbs put fresh attire, and vow 

* To all the gods, thou 'It offer sacrifice 
50 ' Of perfect hecatombs ; and haply Zeus 

' Shall grant fulfilment of a work of Vengeance : 
' But to the sessions Place will I ; to invite 

* A stranger, who from yonder shore came with me 
^ In my return. Him sent I on before me 

' Together with my godlike mates ; and bade 
55 ' Peirseus take him to his house, and treat him 

* With honour and kind care, till I should come." 
So spake he then ; and wingless came his word 

And stayed with her. Then went she and bathed, and put 
Fresh raiment on her limbs, and to all the gods 

* Artemis, for chastity. f Aphrodite, for beauty. 



358 THE ODYSSEY. XVII. 

Vowed sacrifice of perfect hecatombs, 

60 Would haply Zens vouchsafe accomplishment 

Of the work of Yengeance. — Spear in hand meanwhile 
Out through the hall forth stepped Telemachus ; 
And with him came his nimble-footed hounds. 
And sure on him Athene shed a grace 
Ineffable, and all the people gazed 
With wonder upon him as he came along. 

Q5 Soon gathering round him were the gallant suitors, 
Speaking so fair, but in their inmost hearts 
Brooding on mischief. He howe'er soon turned 
Aside from all the crowd of Tkem, and went 
And sat him down where sat his ancient friends, 
Mentor and Antiphus and Halitherses, 
His father's friends from yore ; and point by point 

70 Began they at once to question him of all. 
To them anon drew nigh spear-famed Peirseus, 
Bringing the stranger with him through the town 
Unto the assembly : from his guest forsooth 
Not long away then kept Telemachus, 
But instant stood beside him : while Peirseus 
Spake thus the foremost word : '^ Bid with all speed 

75 ^ Your women to my house, Telemachus, 
' So I may send thee back by them the gifts, 

* Those Menelaus gave thee." Straight then answered 
Telemachus with prudent spirit : '' No haste, — 

' No, for /low matters here will be, Peirseus, 

* We know not yet : if haply, in my halls, 

* These gallant suitors privily should slay me, 
80 * And share among them all my heritage, 

' I had rather Thou, than any one of Them, 

' Should have and hold them : but if I for Them 



BOOK P. 359 

' Shall haply bring about a violent death 
' And slaughterous Doom, then to my house with joy 
' Fetch them and welcome." Spake he thus ; then home 
He took his toil-worn guest. Soon as they reached 

85 The pleasant dwelling house, on chair and bench 

Their mantles laid they aside, and washed themselves 
In fair-wrought bathing-tubs. And when the damsels 
Had washed and 'nointed them with oil of olive, 
They put upon them woolly cloaks and tunics : 
Stepping from forth the bath then sat they down 

90 On benches, when a serving maid brought water 
In a fair, golden ewer, for washing hands 
O'er which she poured it into a silver basin : 
Before them then she spread a polished table ; 
Whereto the stewardess, a reverend dame, 
Producing freely from her ready stores, 

95 Brought bread and many a dainty cate beside 
And set before them. Opposite was his mother, 
Sitting against the pillar of the hall : 
Eeclining in her lounge-chair was she and turning 
The spindle with its slender wool. Meanwhile, 
Hands put they forth upon the viands that lay 
Eeady before them. Soon as all desire 
100 For meat and drink they had put away, anon 
Thoughtful Penelope began and said : 
" Up again go will I, Telemachus, 
* And lay me upon my bed, which has to me 
' Become so mournful, watered with my tears 
' Unceasingly, e'er since away to Ilion 
' Went forth Odusseus with the sons of Atreus ; 
105 ' Nor hast thou had the heart to tell me plain, 
' Before those gallant suitors come again 



360 



THE ODYSSEr. XVII. 



' Into tlie palace, whether any tidings 

' Thou hast haply heard about thy sire's return." 

With prudent spirit replied Telemachus : 

*' Yea, mother, I, I'll tell thee and truly too : 

* First then to Pylos went we and there to Nestor, 
110 ^ His people's pastor : at his lofty palace 

' With love and kindly welcome he received me ; 
' As might a father welcome home his son 

* Just back from foreign parts after long absence, 
^ E'en so with ready warmth and love did He 

' Together with his glorious sons receive me. 
' But tidings of the patient-souled Odusseus, 
115 'Whether alive or dead, none had he heard, 

* Said he, from any man on the face of earth. 

' With horse and chariot on howe'er he sped me 

' To spear-renowned Atreides Menelaus. 

' There saw I the Argive Helen, for whose sake 

* Argives and Trojans, through the gods' high pleasure, 

* Have suffered many a toil. Soon asking me 
120 ' Was doughty Menelaus, what the business 

* Whereon I had come to lovely Lacedsemon ; 
' And full account I laid him down and true : 
' Whereat in this wise answered he and. said : 

" Strange ! Now sure were they, the puny weakHngs, 
" Thinking to bed them in the bed of a strong, 

125 *' Aye, of a mighty and dauntless-hearted Man ! 
''As, if within a mighty lion's lair 
" A hind should lull to sleep her suckling fawns 
" New-born, and leaving them should forth to range 
" The hill-side knolls and grassy dales for pasture, 
" While he to his lair again has entered in, 

130 " And on them both lets fly a death unseemly ; 



BOOK P. 361 i 

.1 

' So shall Odusseus too let fly at Them \ 

' A death unseemly ! 'Would, father Zeus ! '] 

' Athene ! and Apollo ! 'Would were He | 
' Now as he once was, when in fair-built Lesbos ' j 

' Upstood he and wrestled in a rival match | 

' With Philomeleus' son, and felled him bravely, J 

135 ''To the delight of all the Achaians' hearts : - '\ 

' may, yet such, Odusseus meet the suitors ! j 
' Find would they all how speedy was their dying, 
' And bitter how their wooing* ! and what thou askest 

' With such entreaty, nought but simple truth ' 

' Tell thee will I, nor swerve therefrom, nor cheat thee. j 

140 ** A certain truthful Ancient of the sea 

* Has told me somewhat, not a word whereof \ 
' From thee will I conceal or hide. He had seen, *; 
' He said, Odusseus, whelmed in mighty grief, ] 
' Upon an island, at the abode of a Nymph, . j 
' Calypso, who there held him by constraint : ' 
' Nor has he power to reach his fatherland ; \ 

145 " For neither ships equipped with oars nor comrades | 

' Has he to speed him o'er the sea's broad backs." ? 

So spake Atreides, spear-famed Menelaus. — \ 

Having thus much accomplished, I returned ; i 

And a fair wind the Deathless gave, and sped me \ 

Back swiftly to my fatherland." He spake : '.\ 

150 And thereby stirred the heart within her breast. : 
This word then added Theoclymenos, 

The godlike seer, and said : " Lady revered, \ 

' wife of Laertiades Odusseus ! . ' \ 

* He, forsooth, has no clear and certain knowledge ; ' 

* But heed a word of mine; for prophesy j 
' Will I to thee full truly and not conceal it : 



362 THE ODYSSEY. XVII. 

155 ' First of the gods then, let high Zeus bear Witness, 
'And let this Hospitable board, and This, 
' The sacred Hearth of blemishless Odusseus 
' Whereto I am come, bear witness to my words : 

* How that Odusseus Is already, — sitting 
' Or haply creeping, in his fatherland, 

' And of these heinous doings he hears ; and plants 
160 * Mischief for all the suitors. This I learnt 
' When sitting was I on board the gallant ship, 
' And noted thence a lone bird's ominous flight, 

* And shouted to Telemachus." Straight answered 
'Thoughtful Penelope : '"Would, 'would, guest, 
' This word of thine might come to be fulfilled ! 

* So shouldst thou soon acknowledge both my friendship 
165 'And many a gift, that whosoe'er might meet thee 

' Should call thee happy." Thus in suchlike talk 
' Together they conversed. Meanwhile, with quoits 
And letting fly their hunting spears, the suitors 
In the paved court before Odusseus' palace. 
Their customed haunt of riot, were making merry. 

170 But when 'twas preparation-time for dinner. 

And from the fields on all sides came the flocks, 
Driven by the herdsmen as their custom was, 
Then spake the herald Medon to the suitors ; 
For he most chiefly of all the pages pleased them, 
And always at the banquet was amongst them : 
"And fiow, lads, as ye've all, to hearts' content, 

175 ' Enjoyed your contests, come ye to the palace, 
' And let us dress the banquet, for i' faith 
' 'T is no ways bad to dine betimes in the day." 
He spake ; and up they rose and went forthwith, 
Obedient to his word. And when they had reached 



BOOK P. 363 

The pleasant dwelling Louse, on chair and hench 
They laid aside their cloaks, and soon all busy- 
ISO They slaughtered goodly sheep and choice fat goats 
For furnishing the banquet, slaughtered also 
A heifer driven from pasture, and fat hogs. 
Meanwhile, Odusseus and the noble swineherd 
Were now preparing to set forth from field 
Towards the Town ; when thus with foremost word 
185 Spake master swineherd : '' Guest, since to the Town 
' Thou art bent on going to-day, as my lord bade, — 
' Kather would I howe'er hadst thou become 

* A farmstead servant here ; but him I reverence, 
^ And dread lest he might quarrel with me for it ; 
' And hard to bear are the rebukes of masters, — 

190 ' Come then, let's go ; for of the day chief part 
' Already is gone ; and colder soon 't will be 
' Towards the evening." Straight then answered him 
Odusseus ever-ready : " 1 know ; I wist ; 
' To one aware thereof thou sayst thy bidding. 
' But let us go ; and thou, throughout, lead on : 

195 * And give me a staff, if haply hast one cut, 

* Whereon to prop me, for the road, thou sayst, 
^ Is very slippery." Spake he thus, and slung 
His ragged scrip, unseemly, about his shoulders 
By its twisted strap. Eumseus furnished him 
With staff to his mind ; then forth the two set out : 

200 While left behind were herdsmen and the dogs 

For safeguard of the farmstead. Thus to the Town 

Leading was he his lord disguised as a beggar. 

Wretched and old, and propped upon a staff. 

All clad with sorry garb about his limbs. 

At length, when walking on by a rugged road 



, 



f 






^ 



364 THE ODYSSEY. XVIl. 

205 Near to the city had they come, and reached 
The limpid-flowing' well, stone-built, whereto 
The citizens were wont to come for water ; 
The builders of the well were Ithacus, 
Neritos and Polyctor ; circling round it 
Grew a sacred grove of water-fed black poplars, 
While down from out the rock on high came flowing 

210 The fresh cool water ; and a-top was built 
An altar sacred to the Nymphs ; whereat 
All wayfarers were wont to sacrifice ; 
Just here fell in with them a son of Dolius, 
Melantheus, leading goats, the choicest ones 
Of all the flocks, for the banquet of the suitors : 
And two attendant herdsmen had he with him. 

215 Soon as he came in sight he railed aloud 
And shouted out an angry unseemly word. 
And stirred Odusseus' heart : '' Now sure enough, 

* Here vile leads vile ! as ever ! like to like ! 
'And whither then, thou miserable swineherd, 
' Art leading this, this lazy, lick-dish glutton, 

220 * A troublous beggar ? who will stand and rub 

' His shoulders, aye, at many a door-post, begging 
' Kather for meat-scraps, than for pots and hangers. 

* Wast thou to give me Him for farmstead service, 
' To be my yardman and to clean the pens 

' And keep the kids supplied with tender shoots,— 
' He soon, i faith, would grow him a brawny thigh 
225 * By drinking the mere whey. But as forsooth 
' He has learnt but idle ways, no will has Jle 
' To go to Work ; but rather would he go 

* Crouching about the land to beg for food 

' To his insatiate maw. But this I'll tell ye, 



BOOK P. 365 

' And sure 't shall come to pass, If to the halls 
230 ' Of prince Odusseus shall he come, his ribs, 

* As he gets knocked about the house, shall rasp 

* Full many a footstool flung about his pate 

' From forth men's hands." He spake, and coming up 
Eecklessly leapt and kicked him on the hip, 
Yet thrust him never a whit from out his path ; 

235 But firm Odusseus kept, and was in doubt 

Whether with cudgel should he rush upon him 
And take away his life, or from the road 
To snatch him up and drive his head to the earth. 
But firm he endured, and kept himself in check. 
The swineherd looked the man in the face howe'er 
And rated him : and lifting up his hands 

240 Thus prayed he earnestly: ^' fountain Nymphs, 
' Daughters of Zeus ! if ever has Odusseus 
' Burnt on your altar lambs' and kidlings' hams 

* Larded with fat, accomplish for me ThiSy 

* My fond desire, — may, may That man come, 
' And may some god escort him ! Then forsooth 

' Soon would He scatter all thy vanities 
245 ' Wherewith about the Town thus wantonly 

* Thou'rt ever going : and sure the bane of flocks 
' Are idle herdsmen." Answered him Melantheus 
The goatherd : " Pshaw ! what says this knowing dog, 

* This mischief-monger ? Sure, some time or other, 

* Take him on board a tight black ship will I, 
' And far away from Ithaca for sale, 

250 * When haply shall he gain me a goodly living. 
^ 'would Apollo of the silver bow 
' Might this day strike Telemachus in the palace ! 
' Or that he fell beneath the suitors' hands ! 



366 THE ODYSSEY. XVII. 

* E'en as Odusseus' day of home-return 

* Has afar surely perished." Spake he thus, 
And to their gentle pace left Them behind ; 

255 While on stepped He, and very quickly reached 
His master's mansion. In he went anon, 
And sat him down, in company with the suitors, 
Over against Eurymachus, of whom 
Specially was he fond. Soon for his eating 
The busy waiters brought and set before him 
A mess of fleshmeat ; and the reverend dame, 

260 The stewardess brought bread and set it on. 

Meanwhile, Odusseus and the noble swineherd, 

Now drawing near at hand, both stopped ; as round them 

Came to their ears the glib harp's jocund sound ; 

For just then lifting up his voice was Phemius 

To sing before the suitors : taking now 

The swineherd by the hand, thus spake Odusseus : 

265 '* Now sure indeed, Eumseus, This must be 
' Odusseus' beauteous palace ! Easily known 
' Amongst yea many it is, right well at a glance ; 
'Story to story ; and with wall and copings 
' The court-yard finished off, and well shut in 

* With double folding doors : ne'er win the mastery 
' O'er That by dint of arms might any man. 

270 ' I judge too, a numerous company within 

' Are holding feast : for a savoury steam mounts up, 

' And sounds the harp, that boon accompaniment 

' The gods have given to feasts." Then answeredst thou, 

swineherd, kind Eumseus : '' Easily judged 

' Here hast thou ; as in other matters also 

' Not witless art thou : but bethink we anon 

275 ' How best this matter ; either first go Thou 



BOOK P. 367 

' To the suitors in the pleasant mansion house, 

' While I remain still here : or, wouldst thou rather, 

' Stay thou, while I go forward : tarry not 

' Long time howe'er ; lest some one out of doors 

* At sight of thee should haply smite or chase thee. 
' Bethink of this, I entreat." Then answered him 

280 The patient prince Odusseus : " Wist I well ; 

' I know : to one that's ware thou sayst thy bidding : 
' But go thou first, while I stay here behind. 
' Not altogether unacquainted am I 

* With cuffs and pelting shots : my heart is patient ; 

* Since many a hardship have I undergone 
285 * Midst waves and war : so too be this endured. 

' But no ways can one hide the Belly's craving, 
' Baneful, that brings to men full many a trouble : 
' Yea, and for Belly's sake e'en trimbuilt galleys 
' Oft are equipped to sail the fruitless deep 
^ And carry woe to foemen." As together 

290 Thus talking were they, a dog that lay hard by 
Lifted his head and pricked his ears : 't was Argus, 
Stout-souled Odusseus' dog ; which formerly 
Himself had reared, yet had thereof no joy. 
For that he went away to sacred Ilion : 
But the young men were wont in days gone by 
To take him forth for hunting of the hare, 

295 Wild goats and roe-buck : Now howe'er, despised 
In his lord's absence, was he left to lie 
Amidst the dung of mules and oxen, scattered 
And piled in many a heap before the gates. 
Until the serfs might take it for manuring 
Odusseus' broad domain : there, full of ticks, 

300 Was lying the dog, old Argus. Instantly, 



368 THE ODYSSEY. XYII. 

Soon as Odusseus noted he close by Mm, 
He wagged liis tail and let down both his ears ; 
But was no longer able now to approach 
His own, own master : who at the sight forthwith 
Turned slightly aside to shun Eumseus' notice, 
And wiped away a tear ; then straight began 
305 To enquire about him : *' Wondrous is 't, Eumseus, 
' That such a dog is lying amidst the dung ! 

* A goodly shape he has indeed : but this 

* I surely know not ; whether, with such form, 
' Of equal swiftness was he also in running ; 

' Or whether merely such a dog as those 
310 * Fondled and petted at their master's table 

* For shew and vanity." Then answeredst thou, 
swineherd, kind Eumseus : '' Yea, to a Man, 

' A Man indeed who has perished far away, 

* Belonged this dog. If were he now as good 
' In bodily form and work, as when Odusseus 

* Went forth for Troy and left him here behind, 

315 ^ Thou wouldst forthwith, at seeing his strength and swift- 
ness, 
' Yea gaze with wonder at him. For indeed 

* No manner of savage beast that once he saw 

' In deepest woodland thicket e'er escaped him : 

* For in their tracks too had he a passing skill. 
' But he's in ill case now ; his master gone, 

' Perished afar in some strange land, while here 
320 ^ The careless women give him no kind tendance. 
' And in fair work no longer willingness 
' Have serfs, when masters over-rule no longer : 
' For sure does far-seeing Zeus bereave a man 
' Of at least half his goodness, whensoever 



' BOOK P. 369 

' The day of slavery seizes him." So saying, 
Into the pleasant dwelling-house he stepped, 

325 And straight along the hall to the gallant suitors. — 
But upon Argus — black Death's instant Doom 
Laid hold, as soon as in the twentieth year 
He saw Odusseus home. — Meanwhile, far first 
To spy the swineherd coming into the hall 
Was prince Telemachus, who straightway called 
And beckoned him ; whereat he peered around 

330 And seized a stool that lay at hand, whereon 
The carver used to sit and carve for the suitors, 
When feasting in the hall, full many a mess 
Of dainty fleshmeat : taking up the stool 
He set it o'er against Telemachus, 
Close to his table and there he sat him down : 
A page then fetched and set a mess before him 

335 And wheat-bread from the basket.— -After him 
Soon came Odusseus into the palace, seeming 
A wretched beggar, old, and propped on a staff, 
Clad with that sorry garb about his limbs. 
Within the doors, on the ashen sill he sat him, 
His back against the post of cypress-wood, 

340 Which deftly had the carpenter erewhile 

Polished and fixed upright by line and rule. 
Telemachus now took a loaf of bread, 
Whole, from the beauteous basket, and fleshmeat, 
As much as both his hands agape might hold ; 
Summoning then the swineherd, thus he addressed him : 

345 ** Take these ; and give that Stranger : also bid him 
' Go throughly round and beg of all the suitors : 
' Bashfulness not well fits a needy man." — 
He said : and heed the swineherd gave and went, 

24 



370 THE ODYSSEY. XYII, 

And standing near spake thus in winged words : 
'' Stranger! Telemaclius here gives thee this ; 
350 ' And bids thee round and beg of all the suitors : 
' And Bashfulness, he says, is not befitting 
' A beggarman." — Then answered him and spake 
Odusseus ever-ready : ^' Zeus above ! 

* May now Telemachus 'mongst men be blessed, 

* And may he have whate'er his heart desires ! " — 
355 So saying he took the dole with both his hands, 

And set it down before him at his feet 
On his unseemly scrip ; and there kept eating, 
While singing was the minstrel in the hall. 
Just as he had got his dinner, also ceased 
The Bard divine ; when soon began the suitors 

360 Their din throughout the hall. Anon Athene 
Drew near to Odusseus Laertiades, 
And stirred him up to go among the suitors 
To gather meat, and con their several manners; 
Which righteous, and which lawless : but n^t one 
Thus was she like to clear from evil case. 

365 So went he his way a-begging of each man 

From left to right, and held his hand all round, 

As though he were a beggarman of old. 

Whereat in pity they began to give, 

All marvelling at him, and to ask each other, 

Who, and whence was he : then spake thus among them 

Melantheus, master goatherd : " Hearken to Me, 

370 ' suitors of our all-illustrious queen, 

^ About this Stranger ; for I've seen forsooth 
' His face ere now. The swineherd, sure enough, 
' Was with him on the road and led him hither : 
' But no sure knowledge have I about the man, 



BOOK P. 371 

' Or whence he boasts himself." — He spake : whereat 
Thus at the swineherd forthwith railed Antinous : 
375 ** Infamous swineherd ! Why broughtst thou this fellow 
' Into the city ? Have we not already 
' A plenty of strolling vagrants, troublous beggars, 
' Sponging at feasts ? Dost think it not enough, 

* How gathering here they waste thy master's living, 

* But Thou must also invite this vagrant hither 1 " — 
380 Then answeredst thou, swineherd, kind Eumseus : 

*^ Howe'er thou art noble, Antinous, yet not nobly 

* Dost speak, forsooth : for who, of himself indeed, 
' E'er goes about to invite all sorts of strangers, 

* Foreigners too, save 't were of public craft, 

* Seer, or physician skilled in healing sickness, 

* Or architect, or wondrous bard divine 
385 ' To give delight of minstrelsy ? For such 

* Throughout the boundless earth are bidden of all. 
'Yet sure would none invite a vagrant beggar 

* To eat one out of house and home. But hard, 

* Beyond all the other suitors, art thou ever 
' Upon Odusseus' serfs, and specially 

* Sore upon Me : but I, I heed it not, 

390 * So long as have we living yet in the palace 

* Our godlike prince Telemachus and the queen 

* Thoughtful Penelope." Straight answered him 
Telemachus in prudent spirit : *' Be quiet ! 

' Bandy not many words with him I pray : 
' For 'tis an ugly habit has Antinous, 
' To be for ever stinging with sharp words ; 
395 * And he stirs others to the like." He spake ; 

And then in winged words he addressed Antinous : 
" Fine care forsooth of me thou tak'st, Antinous, 



372 THE ODYSSEY. XYII. 

' As would a father of liis son, — who bidst me 
' Frighten away this stranger from the palace 

* By forceful words ! May Zeus above forbid it ! 
400 ' Take and give somewhat to him ; I bear no grudge : 

* For I, ' tis I so bid thee ; on this account 

* Dread not my mother then, nor any one 
' Of all the servants in Odusseus' palace. 

' But no such thought of heart hast thou : much rather 
'Wouldst thou thyself be eating, than give other." — 
405 Antinous answered him : *' Telemachus ! 

* Of lofty talk ! of might ungovernable ! 

' "What's this thou say'st ?— would all the suitors here 

* Hand him as much as I, — his home should keep him 
' Sure all away from hence for three good months ! " — 
So saying, a footstool lying beneath the table 

He seized and drew to light ; the stool whereon 

410 In his carousals was he wont to set 

His dainty feet. But all the others gave. 

And soon with bread and ileshmeat filled the wallet. 

Then quickly to the threshold back again 

Odusseus was about to go and taste 

The Achaians' alms, but stopped before Antinous, 

And thus addressed him : " Give ! kind Sir !~methinks 

415 ' Not indeed art thou the meanest of the Achaians, 

* But sure the noblest, for thou look'st the king. 
' Wherefore behoves it Thee to give a dole 

' E'en better than the rest : and I, henceforth, 

* Would praise thy name throughout the boundless earth. 
' For erst e'en I was blest among mankind, 

420 ' And had a wealthy house, and many a time 
' Gave to such wanderer, whosoe'er he were, 
' And whatsoe'er the need whereon he came : 






BOOK P, 



373 



And serfs I had yea conntless, and great stores, 
Wherewith men live at ease and are called wealthy. 
But out of all has Zeus Chronion drained me, — 
For such somehow his will ; he let me launch 
To my utter loss, forth on a lengthy voyage 
To J]]gypt, with some crews of roving pirates : 
The rolling ships I moored in ^Egypt's river : 
My trusty mates then bade I stay on the spot 
Beside the ships and guard them : ordered also 
Scouts to the heights to look out and return : 
But giving way to riotousness, and following 
Their own fierce bent, they straight began to ravage 
The ^Egyptians' fields of right fair husbandry, 
And carry off their women and infant babes, — 
Slaying the men : whose cry soon reached the Town ; 
At hearing which, with early Dawn came They, 
And all the plain was filled with foot and horse 
And glittering flash of arms ; and on my comrades 
Sad rout the thunder-loving Zeus inflicted : 
For on all sides was mischief pressing round. 
With edge of sword then slew they many among us, 
And others carried they away alivo 
To work in bondage for them. Me they gave 
To a guest who chanced to be on his way to Cyprus, 
Dmetor lasides, the mighty king 
Of Cyprus. 'T is from thence I now come hither 
A suppliant in distress."— Whereat Antinous 
Answered anon : " Now what foul Chance has brought 
This plague, this killjoy of the feast?— Stand off! 
Yonder, aloof! Avoid thee from my table ! 
Lest off to bitter ^gypt and to Cyprus 
Shalt quickly hence away ! What an audacioua 



374 THE ODYSSEY. XVII. 

' And shameless sort of beggar here thou art ! — 
' Thou com'st before us all one after other ; 
450 ' And They, they give at random ; for reluctance 
' None have they neither mercy, in their largess 
' Dealt freely at other's cost, so soon as all 

* Have plenty set before them !" —Drawing back 
Thus answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 

" Strange ! So then to this thy comely form 
' There was not wit as well ! — Not give wouldst Thou 
455 ' Out of Thine house, no, not a pinch of salt 

' To one should come Thy suppliant ; Thou, that here 

* Sitting at other's table,— hast not had 

' The heart to take, not e'en a crust of bread, 
' And give me ; though such plenty hast before thee !" 
He said : whereat from inmost heart Antinous 
Waxed wroth yet more ; and eyeing him askant 

460 Spake thus in winged words : '' Now then, methinks, 
^ Not handsomely, from out the hall at least, 
' Withdraw shalt thou, for prate, and that reproachful !" 
So saying, he seized the footstool up and smote him 
On his right shoulder-joint just next the back. 
Yet firm, like rock, stood He : nor did the blow 
Antinous sent him even make him stagger ; 

465 But moved he silently his head ;— at heart 

Brooding on mischief. Back now went he again 

And sat him on the door-sill, and laid down 

His well-filled scrip : then spake he thus to the suitors : 

" Hear me ! ye suitors of the illustrious queen, 

^ And say will I, as bids my spirit within me. 

470 * No heart-pang has a man forsooth nor grief, 

' When struck in fighting for his own, his treasures, 

* Beeves or white sheep ; but struck me has Antinous 



BOOK P. 375 

' For sake of wretched Belly, miscMevous, 

' That brings full many a trouble upon mankind. 

* But if at all there are for mendicants 

475 ' Gods and avenging* Furies, — may Death's term 
' Find out Antinous ere his day of marriage !" 
Again replied Eupeithes' son Antinous : 
" Stranger ! now sit and eat in peace and quiet ; 

* Or else begone elsewhither ; lest these youths 

* Drag thee by foot and hand along the court, 
480 * For talking thus, and flay thee top to toe !" — 

He said : whereat howe'er they all were wroth. 
In high displeasure ; when anon spake thus 
Some one among those overweening youths : 
" Antinous ! No, not handsomely forsooth 

* Hast struck the wretched wanderer : Mischievous ! 

* What now if haply it be some heavenly god ? — 
485 \ And the gods do come forth in various fashion, 

' Frequenting Towns in guise of foreign strangers, 

* Looking upon the dealings of mankind, 

' Both on good order, and on riotousness." 
So spake the suitors : of their word howe'er 
Took he no heed. Telemachus meanwhile 
Was nursing in his heart a mighty grief 

490 About the blow ; yet not did he let fall 

A tear from forth his eyelids to the ground, 
But moved his head in silence, deeply brooding 
O'er mischief in his inmost soul. Anon, 
At hearing of the beggar struck in the palace. 
Thoughtful Penelope amongst her women 
Outspake forthwith : " 'would that thee thyself, 

495 * Yea thee, might bow-renowned Apollo smite !" 
Whereat her stewardess, Eurynome, 



376 



THE ODYSSEY. XVII. 



h: 



Accosted her : *' Oh ! were accomplishment 

' But g-ranted to our prayers,— ne'er one forsooth 

* Of Them should see the gold-enthroned Eos !'' 
Thoughtful Penelope straight answered her : 

" Good mother ! surely hateful are they all, 
500 ' For mischief do they plot ; but chiefly Antinous 

* E'en as black Death is hateful. Here to the palace 
' "Wanders some wretched Stranger begging alms 

' Among* the men ; for utter need so bids him ; — 

* Then all the rest indeed both fill and give him ; 

* But with his footstool this Antinous strikes him 
' On the right shoulder upon the very joint." — 

505 In such wise talked she sitting in her room 

Amongst her serving-women : lie, meanwhile, 
The prince Odusseus, yet was at his meal : 
Then summoned she the noble swineherd to her 
And thus addressed him: " Go now, noble Eumeeus, 
^ Go to that Stranger, quick, and bid him hither; 
^ That of kind welcome somewhat may I give him, 

510 ^ And ask him whether haply any tidings 
' Of patient-souled Odusseus has he heard 
' Or with his eyes seen aught ; for a far wanderer 
*He seems by his looks." Whereat straight answeredst 

thou 
swineherd, kind Eumseus : "Yea, queen, 
' And would I now the Achaians were but quiet; 
' For This man's talk is such, that sure thereby 

515 ' Charmed were thy very heart : for at my cottage^ 

* Three nights already have I entertained him 

* And three days had him for my guest : (for first 
*To me he came a suppliant, runaway 

' 'Scaped from a ship :) but not yet throughly finished 



BOOK P. 377 

' Telling me has he all his tale of troubles. — 
' As looks a man upon a Bard, who sing-s, 

520 ' Taught of the gods, delightsome lays to mortals ; 
' And fain insatiably they're all to hear him 
' Whene'er he sings ; so me did That man charm 
' Sitting beside me at home. He says moreover 
' That of Odusseus is he a friend of old, 
' Hereditary friend ; and that he dwells 
' In Crete, the land of Minos' noble race. 

525 ' From thence, rolled on and onwards still a wanderer 

' Suffering distress, he has thus now at length come hither 
^ A suppliant ; and he stands to it, that he has heard 

* About Odusseus, yet alive, — hard by, 

* In the fat land of the Thesprotian men ; 

' And that he's bringing home full many a treasure." 
Thoughtful Penelope straight answered him : 
530 ** Go, call him hither, that himself may tell me 

* Here face to face. And at their pebble-draughts 

* Let Them amuse them, sitting at the gates 

* Or still in the palace, as their hearts are merry. 

* For lying untouched at home are all Their stores, 

* Their pleasant wine and bread-stuff; true, their menials 
' Eat some ; but here haunt They our palace daily, 

535 ' Slaughtering our beeves and sheep and goodly goats, 

* And revelling drink they and drain the sparkling wine 
' All recklessly ; and Plenty is come to an end : 

* For no man, such as used to be Odusseus, 

' Now have we here to guard our house from ruin. 
' Might but Odusseus come indeed and reach 

* His fatherland, soon with his son would He 

540 ' Take vengeance for the violence of these men." — 
She spake ; anon loud sneezed Telemachus ; 



378 



THE ODYSSEY. XYII. 



Whereat the hall did ring all terribly : 

Then laughed Penelope and thus to Eumseus 

Spake quickly in winged words : ^' Go, call that Stranger 

* Hither before me ! Seest not, how my son 
545 ' At the end of all my words sneezed ominously ? 

* Wherefore Be death, yea death not incomplete, 
' To the suitors each and all ; nor may there one 
' Escape a violent Doom !— And this yet else 

' I'll tell thee, and lay it thou to heart : if all 

* Sure truth I find him telling me, I'll clothe him 
550 ^ In goodly raiment, both with cloak and tunic." 

She said : and when this matter had he heard, 
The swineherd went, and standing close beside him 
Spake thus in winged words : '* List ! father stranger! 
' Thoughtful Penelope calls thee before her, 

* The mother of Telemachus : her heart 
6^5 ^ Bids her, midst sorrow howsoever great, 

* Enquire about her lord. And if she finds thee 

* Telling her all sure truth, she'll give thee clothes, 
'Tunic and cloak, whereof hast Thou forsooth 

' Most special want : then through the land for bread 

* E'en begging mayst thou go and feed thy belly ; 
'And whosoe'er may have the will, shall give thee." 

560 Straight answered him the patient prince Odusseus : 
" Soon all the truth, Eumseus, would I tell 
' Thoughtful Penelope, Icarius' daughter : 
' For about Him I know full well, and woe 
' One and the same we suffered. But some fear 
' Of all that crowd of angry suitors have I, 
' Hard men, whose arrogance and violent 'haviour 

565 ' Keach up to the iron heaven. For 't was but now, 
' As passing was I along the hall, and harm 



BOOK P. 379 

' Of no kind had I done, when this man smote 

* And put me to sharp pain ; yet nought whate'er 
' To check this either did Telemachus 

* Or any other. Wherefore now entreat 

* Penelope to wait, however fain, 

570 * In the great hall until the sun be down. 
' Then indeed let her ask me about her lord 
' And his returning day ; but let her seat me 

* Beside the fire and rather near ; for 'faith 

* A sorry garb is this I have upon me, 

' As thyself know'st, since thee first sought I a suppliant." 
He said : and at the hearing of the matter 
575 The swineherd went : anon Penelope, 

Just as he crossed the threshold, thus addressed him : 
'' Eumseus ! thou ? not bring'st him ? Why, what's this 
The mendicant has thought about ? Is 't haply 
He fears some lawless one ? or e'en yet else 
Is 't that he 's bashful in the Palace ? Bad, 
Bad is a bashful beggar !" — Straight thou answeredst, 
580 swineherd, kind Eumseus : '' Fitly and well 
He speaks,— as any one must surely think, 
For voidance of the violent insolence 
Of those o'erweening men. But thee he entreats 
To wait till sun-down. Better thus by far 
Is 't also for thyself, queen, to talk 
Alone to the Stranger, and to hear his tale." 
585 Thoughtful Penelope straight answered him : 
'* Not witless is the Stranger, thinking thus, 
Whoe'er he be. For men that so run riot 
With schemes of arrogance are nowhere such 
As these, I ween, of all the human race." 
In such wise spake she ; and he, the noble swineherd, 



380 THE ODYSSEY. XVII. 

As all his message had he throughly told, 
590 Went back to the throng of suitors. There anon 
Telemachus he addressed in winged words, 
With head held close that the others might not hear : 
*^ I go, my dear, to attend my charge of swine 
' And other matters yonder, means of living 
^ Both thine and mine. And here let every thing 

* Be Thy concern. First thine own self keep safe, 
595 'And take good heed lest any harm befal thee ; 

Tor of the Achaians many have thoughts of mischief; 

* Whom utterly may Zeus destroy, ere harm 
' Come upon UsV — In prudent spirit replied 
Telemachus:*' Yea, Dad, e'en so't shall be. 

' Yet thou, — take nuncheon ere thou start : and come 

* To-morrow dawn, and bring fat beasts for slaughter. 
600 * To me meanwhile and to the Deathless ones 

' Be here the care of every thing." He spake : 
Whereat the swineherd went again and sat him 
Upon the polished bench : and there forthwith 
To heart's content with meat and drink he filled him ; 
Then hied he upon his way to the swine, and left 
The courts behind him and the dining hall 
605 Full of the banquetters in merry pin, 

With song and dancing : for already gone 
Was noonday now, and eventide come on. 



BOOK 5. 381 



ARGUMENT OF THE EIGHTEENTH BOOK. 5. 

Irus, a huge gluttonous beggar -who was accustomed to hang about the Town 
and Palace, comes and quarrels with Odusseus for occupying his position. 
They fight : Odusseus does him a mischief and thrusts him, lialf dead, be- 
yond the gates. Odusseus ominously warns one of the suitors, Amphi- 
nomus, of the sure and near return of the king. Penelope, at the 
suggestion of Athene, shews herself in the suitors' presence, at which 
they all begin to have fresh hope and bring her beautiful and costly gifts. 
Odusseus is insulted by one of the household damsels ; and soon after- 
wards again by Eurymachus. 

SIGMA : the fight 'twixt Irus and Odusseus, 



Anon came there a common public beg'gar, 
Wonted through Ithaca's chief Town to beg : 
Notorious out and out for gluttonous maw 
And greed for meat and drink incessantly. 
No strength or muscle had he : though to look at 
Full tall and bulky. Arnaeus was his name ; 
5 His lady mother gave him this from birth ; 
But all the young men used to call him Irus, 
Because with messages he used to go 
Whitherso any one should bid. On coming, 
He thought at once to chase away Odusseus 
From His Own home, and thus in winged words 
Spake railing at him : " Back ! Old man ! from the door ! 
10 ' Else shalt be dragged and quickly too by the foot. 
* Seest not how all are winking at me already 



382 THE ODYSSEY. XVIII. 

' And urging me to drag thee away ? but I, 
' I 'm altogether ashamed. Then up ! else quickly 
' 'T will come to fisticuffs between us two." — 
Whereat then eyeing him askant spake thus 
Odusseus ever- ready : '^ Sir ! no harm 
15 ' Do I, or say, to thee : nor bear I grudge 

* Should any take however much and give thee : 
^ Well will this door-sill hold us both : and sure 

* Not any need hast thou to grudge another's : 

^ A vagrant too thou seem'st, methinks, as I am : 
' And 't is the gods must give the gift of wealth. 
20 * Challenge me not o'ermuch to fists howe'er, 

* For fear shalt anger me ; or, old as I am, 

* Thy lips and breast shall I befoul with blood. 

^ Yet quiet the more 't were thus for me to-morrow ; 
' For not indeed again wouldst thou, methinks, 
' Be for returning hither to the palace 
'Of prince Odusseus Laertiades." — 

25 In angry mood replied the vagrant Trus : 

" rare ! how trippingly this glutton chatters 
' Like an old furnace-woman ! Mischief on him 
' Will I contrive, and maul him with both fists, 
' And to the earth drive out his every tooth 
' Out of his jaws, as of some hungry sow 
' That ravages the crops. Now gird thee then, 

30 ' That e'en all here may look upon our combat : 
' But with a man thus younger how cam'st Thou 
' To think of fighting?" — Thus as they together 
Before the lofty doors all furiously 
Were waxing angry about the polished sill, 
His sacred mightiness the prince Antinous 
Observed them ; whereupon out laughed he sweetly 



BOOK X 383 

35 And spake among the suitors : *' Sure, friends, 

* Never like this was any thing before ! 

* Such sport as here some Chance has brought to the palace ! 

* Here challenging to fisticuffs each other 

* Are Irus and that Stranger : but we'll quickly 

* Drive them together to it ! " — He spake : whereat 
40 Up started they all laughing, and forthwith 

In ring were gathering round the ill-clad beggars. 
Anon spake thus Eupeithes' son, Antinous : 
" Hearken, ye gallant suitors, to my word : 

* There at the fire are lying those belly-puddings 

' Of goat's-flesh ; which we stuffed with fat and blood, 
45 * And put aside for supper ; now whichever 

* Shall be the better man and win the fight, 
' Let him arise and of his own choice take 

' The one he wishes : share too shall he ever 
' The banquet after us : and other beggar 

* Not any will we suffer here amongst us 

' To come and ask for alms." So spake Antinous ; 
50 And the plan pleased them. Then with wily thought 
Odusseus ever-ready spake amongst them : 
" friends, not equal is 't, an Old man, worn 

* Woe-worn, should battle with a man thus younger : 

* But troublous with its importunity 

' Belly persuades me to submit to blows. 
6^ * Yet come, all swear me now a stedfast oath 
' That none, for sake of kindly help to Irus, 
' Will foully strike me with his heavy fists, 

* And thus o'erpower and put me under him." 
He said; whereat, e'en as he bade, all sware 

To do no harm. Again then spake amongst them 
His sacred mightiness Telemachus : 



382 



THE ODYSSEY. XVIII. 




60 " Stranger ! now if thy heart and gallant spirit 

' So urge thee to it,— defend thee against this fellow ; 
' And fear not any of all the Achaians here : 

* For who strikes thee, shall have to fight with more : 
' I here am host ; and with me agree these princes, 

' Antinous and Eurymachus,— both prudent. " — 
65 He spake ; and all agreed thereto forthwith. 
Whereat Odusseus girt him with his rags 
About his midst, baring to view his thighs 
Goodly and stout : to view were also bared 
His chest, broad shoulders and his brawny arms. 
Moreover, close beside the people's pastor 
Stood then Athene, who with supple strength 
70 Filled out his limbs ; whereat the suitors all 

Vehemently wondered ; when amongst them thus 
Said some one looking at his neighbour • *' Surely 
' Shall Irus, undone Irus ! have full soon 
' The mischief here he has brought upon himself : 

* Look, what a brawny thigh from out his rags 

That Old man shows ! " — So spake they : but poor Irus ! 
75 Affrighted badly was his heart within him. 

Nathless by force the suitors' varlets girt 

And led him on in spite of all his fear ; 

While on his limbs all creeping was the flesh. 

Then at him railed Antinous and outspake 

This word aloud : *' Now 'would wast never bom, 

' Nor mightst be, thou big Bully, if thou tremblest 
80 ' So horribly, and fearest such as This, 

' An Old man, worn and wearied out by the troubles 

* Have come upon him. This howe'er I'll tell thee, 
' And sure too shall it come to pass ; the mastery 

^IfEe shaU gain o'er thee, and prove the better, 



BOOK S, 385 

' I'll ship and send thee to the mainland yonder 
' Unto king* Echetos, that mutilator 

85 ' Of all mankind, who with his ruthless sword 
' Will cut thy nose and ears off, and tear out 
'And give thy manhood a raw feast to dogs." 
Straight at these words, a quivering yet e'en more . 
Crept up his limbs : but to the midst they led him ; 
And both upraised their fists. Then for the nonce 
The much-enduring prince Odusseus doubted 

90 Whether to strike him so to the earth, that there 
His soul should leave him on the spot, or whether 
To strike but slightly and stretch him on the ground ; 
And best on further thought thus seemed it to him, 
Slightly to strike, lest otherwise the Achaians 
Should come to know him. Fists uplifted thus, 
Irus first smote Odusseus, his right shoulder ; 

95 Who smote him in return upon the neck 

Beneath his ear and crushed the bones right in. 
Forthwith from out his mouth the red blood started ; 
And shrieking tumbled he in the dust, and gnashed 
His teeth together as he kicked the ground 
With heels convulsed : whereat the gallant suitors, 
Hands all upraised, were like to die of laughter. 
100 Anon Odusseus took him by the foot, 

And through the porch and out dragged him along. 
Until he reached the corridor, its gates 
And the court-yard : and there he set him leaning 
His back against the court-yard fence ; then thrust 
Into his hands a staff, and thus addressed him 
In winged words : " Now come and sit thee here 
105 ' To keep off dogs and swine ; nor think thyself 
' To be the lord o'er strangers here and beggars, 

25 



386 THE ODYSSEY. XVIII. 

' Sad coward as thou art ; lest haply upon thee, 
' Thou bring some mischief even greater still." 
He said : then slung his ragged scrip unseemly 
About his shoulders by the twisted strap ; 
And to the door-sill went he back again 
110 And sat him down, while indoors went the suitors, 
All laughing sweetly, and thus they greeted him : 
"May Zeus and all the deathless gods, stranger, 

* Grant thee thy heart's desire, whate'er most wishest ; 
' For stopping this insatiate vagrant's begging 

^ Throughout the land ; for to the mainland yonder 

* Soon will we ship him to king Echetos, 

115 ' That bane of all mankind." They spake : and glad 
Was prince Odusseus at such ominous speech. 
Then a great belly-pudding, stuffed with blood 
And savoury fat, Antinous put before him ; 
While bread Amphinomus took from the basket,. 
Two loaves, and gave him ; then in golden cup 
120 Pledged him with greeting words : "Health ! father 
Stranger, 
' By howso many ills thou'rt compassed now, 
' May happiness be thine henceforth for ever."— 
Straight answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 
" Now sure, Amphinomus, methinks thou seem'st 
' Of a right prudent spirit ; e'en as thy father ; 
125 ^ For oft I've heard of Nisos of Dulichium 

' A good report, — a right brave man and wealthy. 
' And thou'rt his son, they say : thou seem'st moreover 
' A courteous gentleman. And therefore now 
' To thee I'll speak ; and thou, give heed and hear me : 
' Of all that breathes and creeps upon the earth 
130 ' Nothing more weak than man does the earth nourish ; 



■■■i 



BOOK S. 387 

' For never does he think he's like hereafter 

* To suffer ill so long as yet the gods 

' Vouchsafe him bravery, and his knees are brisk. 

* But whensoe'er at length the blessed gods 

' Bring troubles also upon him,— These indeed 
' He undergoes yea with reluctant spirit. 
135 ' For of mankind that dwell on earth the mood 
' Is all as various as the varying day 

* The sire of men and gods shall bring upon them. 

* For I, I once seemed destined to be happy 

' Among brave men ; but, rashly putting trust 

* In bodily strength and courage, and relying 
' Both on my sire and brethren,— oft I did 

140 ' Arrogant deeds of wrong. Let no man therefore 
' Be lawless ever : but what gifts soe'er 
' The gods may give him, let him hold in peace : 
' Not as I see these suitors with their schemes 
' Of reckless arrogance, — clipping the wealth 

* And honouring not the consort of a Man, 

' Who from his friends and fatherland wiU sure 
145 'Be not much longer absent now, I ween ; 

' And Is full near at hand ! But may Thy Luck 

* Withdraw thee to thy home ; and in His way 

- * Mayst thou not come, what time shall He return 
' To his dear fatherland ! for verily 

* Not without bloodshed shall the strife be settled 

* 'Twixfc Him, and all the suitors, when he comes 
150 ' Under his roof." He spake ; then poured libation 

And drank the honied wine, and gave the goblet 
Back to the gallant marshaller of hosts, 
Who went along the hall with drooping head,. 
And grieved at very heart ; for in his spirit 



388 THE ODYSSEY. XVIII. 

Already was lie now foreboding eyil. 
Nathless a violent doom escaped he not; 

155 But e'en liim also did Athene shackle, 

To fall beneath the hands and sturdy spear 

Of prince Telemachus.^ Thus turned he again, 

And sat him on the throne wherefrom be had risen. 

Meanwhile, the goddess with bright eyes, Athene, 

Vouchsafed to put a thought into the mind 

Of shrewd Penelope, Icarius' daughter, 

160 To appear before the suitors, and to set 

Their hearts a-fluttering, and herself become 
More prized than ever both by son and husband. 
Now, as if idly, laughed she and spake this word, 
And uttered it aloud : '' Eurynome, 
^ Fain is my heart, sure never so before, 

165 ' To appear in presence of the suitors, hateful 
' Entirely though they are : and with my son 
* A word would I, the which may rather help him., 
' Not to be wholly with those saucy suitors ; 
' Who speak him smoothly, but behind his back 
' Have thoughts of mischief." Straight then answered her 
Her stewardess Eurynome : '' Yea sure, 

170 ' Right fitly and well thou hast spoken thus, my child ; 
^ Go, shew thy son this matter, hide it not : 
' But wash thee first thy face and 'noint thy cheeks ; 
' And go not with thy face so soiled with tears : 
' 'T is bad, too bad, to mourn for everlasting. 
' For to such age,— as of the Deathless gods 
' Wast thou most chiefly praying to see, — thy son 

175 ^ Has now already reached, — his bearded age." 
Thougbtful Penelope straight answered her : 
* See Book xxii., line 92. 



BOOK ^. 389 

"Try not, Eurynome, howe'er concerned, 
' Thus to persuade me wash, and 'noint myself 
' With unguent : for the gods of lofty Olympus 
' Have quenched all beauty in Me since He departed 

180 ' On board his hollow ships. But come, bid hither 
' Hippodameia and Autonoe, 
' To attend me to the hall : to the men's presence 
' Alone I would not ; for I feel abashed." 
She spake : and through the room and out forthwith 
Stepped the old dame with message to the women, 

185 To bid them to the queen.— Meanwhile, the goddess 
Bright-eyed Athene schemed a new device : 
A sweet sleep poured she upon Icarius' daughter : 
Who leaned her back and slept ; and there on the couch 
Relaxed were all her limbs ; and the mighty goddess 
Was meanwhile giving her gifts all ambrosial ; 

190 Whereat the Achaians should behold and wonder. 
First then she purified her beauteous face 
With beauty ambrosial, such as wherewithal 
The fair-zoned Cythereia 'noints herself. 
When to the Graces' lovely choral dance 
Forth is she going : and taller too and plumper 

195 To view she made her seem ; and indeed fairer 

Than the sawn ivory. Thus her work being done,. 
The mighty goddess went forthwith her way. — 
Now from their chamber came the white-armed maidens. 
Came noisily ; and sweet Sleep left their mistress. 
With her fair hand then wiped she her face, and spake : 

200 " Ah sure, sure woeful me ! Shrouded me softly 
' Did gentle Slumber now ! Oh 'would that so 
' Chaste Artemis would grant me gentle Death, 
* Now^ now at once ! that thus I might no longer 



THE ODYSSEY. XVIII. 

' Let my life pine away, so sad at heart, 

* Through fond regret of my dear lord's great worth, 
' All excellent as he was among the Achaians ! " 

205 So saying, down went she from her splendid chamber, 
Went not alone ; but with the queen came also 
The two attendant women. And when she had reached 
The suitors' presence, there the noble lady, 
Shading her cheeks by her bright kerchief lappets, 
Stood by the pillar of the vaulted roof; 

210 Her trusty ladies one on either side. 

Then were the suitors' knees unnerved forthwith. 
And by love's witchery were their hearts entrapped. 
And all were praying to be her chosen consort. 
Straight to her own dear son Telemachus 
Then spake she thus : — ^' Telemachus ! no longer 

* Are thy wits steadfast, nor thine understanding ! 
215 ^ In wit wast ever wont when but a child 

' To shew more shrewdness : now howe'er, grown up, 

' And come to the blooming prime of manhood's measure, 

* When sure would any, — stranger whencesoe'er, — 
' In looking on thy goodly form and stature, 

' Deem thee the offspring of a happy man ; 

* Yet well-becoming wits no longer hast thou, 
220 * Nor understanding ! What a heinous deed 

' Has here been done in the palace ! How hast suffered 

' This Stranger to be foully treated thus ? 

^ Now what means this ? surely whatever Stranger, 

* Sitting within our palace, suffers thus 

' From violent treatment, — come there must on Thee 

* Dishonour and disgrace among mankind." 
225 In prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 

" mother mine, I take it not amiss 



BOOK X 391 

' In thee to be thus wroth : but I, I kno\v 

' And note each matter in my heart, both good 

* And ill behaviours ; heretofore I was 

' A thoughtless child indeed : nor can I be 
' Always aware : for close besieging one 
230 * On every side these men astound me quite 
^ By their ill plots ; and helpers have I none. 

* Not by the suitors' 'best howe'er arose 

* This moil 'twixt Irus and the Stranger here ; 

' But of themselves ; and He, he proved the master. — 
' And father Zeus, Athene, and Apollo ! 
235 ' 'Would that the suitors in our halls might now 
^ Also be so subdued, and nod their heads, 

* Some here, some there, in courtyard and in hall, 
^ And that the limbs of each and all were loosed, 

' E'en as now yonder at the courtyard gates 
' Irus sits nodding, like a drunken man, 

240 * Unable on his feet to stand straight up, 
' Or reach his home by any way soe'er, 
' For that his very limbs are all unstrung." 
In such-like talk together they conversed. 
Anon Eurymachus addressed the queen : 
" Thoughtful Penelope, Icarius' daughter ! 

245 ' If all the Achaians in lasian Argos 

* Might but behold thee, sure would yet more suitors 
' To-morrow morn be feasting in your halls : 

' For in fair form and stature and brave wit 
' All womankind thou passest." Straight replied 
Thoughtful Penelope : " Eurymachus ! 
250 * The deathless gods put a sad end forsooth 

* To all My bravery. My fair form and stature, 

' What time the Argives went on board for Ilion, 



892 THE ODYSSEY". XVIII. 

* And also with them went My lord Odusseus. 
^ Might indeed He return and with his care 

* Circle this life of mine, a greater glory 

* And a more graceful thus were mine. But now, 
255 ' In sadness am I now ; such heavy troubles 

''111 Chance has hurried upon me. Certainly, 
' When going to leave his fatherland behind, 

* As by the wrist he clasped me, my right hand, 

* He sftid : '* woman, Not From Troy, methinks, 

" Safe back and scatheless shall these fair-greaved Argives 
'^ All come again : for the Trojans are, they say, 

260 *' Bold fighting men, well-skilled to aim the javelin, 
" And draw the arrow, and they mount swift horses, 
" Which bring the doubtful battle's mighty strife 
" To speediest issue. Wherefore know I not, 
*' Whether my Chance shall let me back again, 
" Or whether there, on Troy's plain, shall I fall. 

2^^ " Here then be thine the care of every matter : 
'' Mind well my sire and mother in the palace, 
" As now, or rather more, when I'm away. 
'' And when shalt see our boy of bearded age, 
'' Then wed whome'er thou wouldst, and leave this home." 

* E'en so spake He : and coming now to pass 
270 ' Are all his words. A gloomy night will it be, 

' When hateful marriage is to be the lot 
' That falls to wretched me ; whom utterly 
' Zeus has bereft of happiness. — But now, 
' A wondrous pain is this that wrings my heart : 
' Aforetime This was not the way with Wooers. 
275 ' But such as wished to woo a goodly woman 
' And daughter of a wealthy sire, and vie 
' In rivalry with others,— they themselves 



BOOK S. 393 

' Bring' of their own, their failings, beeves and sheep, 
' Feasts for the maiden's friends, and gallant gifts 
' They also bring : but not without requital 
' Do they devour the substance of another ! " 

280 She spake ; and the much-enduring prince Odusseus 
Rejoiced, that gifts from T/iem she thus was luring, 
And witching all their hearts with courteous words, 
While otherwise her soul was fully set. 
To her now spake Eupeithes' son, Antinous : — 
"Thoughtful Penelope, Icarius' daughter! 

285 ' Gifts take and welcome, all that any amongst ns 
' Shall willingly bring hither ; — for not gracious 
' 'T were to refuse a gift !— but neither go 
' Shall we to our fields, nor other ways whatever, 
^ Till from among the Achaians hast thou wedded 
' The one shall be thy choice." So spake Antinous ; 
And well the matter pleased them ; whereupon 

290 Each sent a herald forth to fetch his gifts. 
First to Antinous brought his messenger 
An ample many-coloured shawl, right comely, 
Whereon were set twelve brooches, all of gold, 
Fitted with fair-bent tongues. And presently 
One brought Eurymachus a necklace, golden, 

295 All richly dight, and strung with amber joints, 
Bright as the sun. Anon two pages came 
With ear-rings to Eurydamas, — delightsome. 
Gemmed with three drops, wherefrom beamed out afar 
A grace right brilliant. From the lord Peisander, 
Polyctor's son, came then a page who brought 
A collar, jewel of surpassing beauty. 

300 And each and all the Achaians brought fair gifts. 
And different each. Then to her upper chambers 



394 THE ODYSSEY. XVIII. 

Went she, the fair of women, while her ladies, 
Waiting' upon her, bare the beauteous gifts. 
Anon, the suitors turned themselves to dancing 
And lovely song midst merriment and glee. 
Awaiting thus the coming on of evening : 

305 And on them in their frolic came dark evening. 
Straight then for giving light they set in the hall 
Three torch-stands ; and sere torch-wood laid they around, 
Well-seasoned, dry long since, new split by the hatchet : 
Brands then they mixed amongst them ; and by turns 
The women-slaves of patient-souled Odusseus 

310 Kept them ablaze : anon the prince Himself 
Odusseus ever-ready thus addressed them : — 
** ye, whose lord has been so long departed, 
' Ye damsels of Odusseus,— go to the chambers, 
' Unto your rojal mistress : there attend, 

* There turn the spindle ; or with nimble hands 
315 * Card ye the wool, and sit and cheer ye Her 

' In her apartment. Keep will I, meanwhile, 

* Supply of light for all this company. — 

' Yea, would they bide till fair-throned Eos comes, 
^ Tire out they shall not Me ;— full patient am I." — 
He spake : but laughed they, looking each at other : 

320 Anon began the beauteous-cheeked Melantho 
To rate him shamefully : her sire was Dolius ; 
But from a child Penelope had reared her. 
E'en as a daughter, and was wont to give her 
Toys to her heart's delight : yet, for all that. 
She heeded not Penelope's sad grief : 
But with Eurymachus held frequent dalliance, 

325 And intercourse of love : with words reproachful 
Attacked she now Odusseus : ^' Wretched Stranger ! 



BOOK ^. 39o 

' Some madman sure art Thou, stricken in wits, 

* That carest not to find a sleeping berth 

* At yonder smithy or at some common lodge ; 
' But pratest here so fast, audaciously, 

' Before these gentles all, and hast at heart 
330 ' No sort of fear ! Wine sure has touched thy wits : 

* Or may be suchlike always is thy mood, — 

* To chatter idly. Or art beside thyself 

' At having overthrown that vagrant Irus ? 
' See lest some other better one than Irus 
' Stand up against thee, and with sturdy fists 
' Knock thee about the pate, and speed thee forth 
33o ' Befouled with blood and bruises from the palace." — 
Looking askant upon her, straight replied 
Odusseus ever-readv : " Yonder will I, 
^Thou She-cur! and soon tell Telemachus 

* What sort of talk is thine ; and on the spot 

' Hell hew thee limb from limb ! " So saying, away 

He scared the women by his words : and off 
340 Along the room they started on their ways. 

While all unnerved by fright were the limbs of each. 

For verily they thought he spake in earnest. 

Then close beside the blazing links stood he. 

Tending the light, and having eye to all; 

Within his breast howe'er his heart was set 

On other matters, the full end whereof 
345 Should not be unachieved. Meanwhile, Athene 

Suffered the gallant suitors never a whit 

To abstain from spirit-vexing outrages ; 

Whereby should pangs yet further pierce the heart 

Of prince Odusseus Laertiades. 

To taunt Odusseus thus anon began 



396 THE ODYSSEY. XVIII. 

Eurymaclius, the son of Polybus, 

350 With cutting words, and raised his comrades' laughter : 
" Hearken ! ye suitors of the illustrious queen, 
' And tell ye will I, even as urges me 
' The spirit within me : not without some god 
' Comes this man hither into Odusseus' palace ! 
' At any rate, methinks, the torches' flash 
' Seems all his own, yea from his beaming pate ; 

355 ' For hair, no never a one there grows upon it." —* 
He spake ; then turned forthwith and thus addressed 
The city -wasting chief Odusseus : '* Stranger ! 
^ Dost wish to serve at wages, would I take thee, 

* On some out-farm (shouldst have a fitting pay), 

' To pick out stones for walls, and plant me trees ? 
' And I, throughout the year, would give thee bread, 
360 ' And clothes about thee, and shoes beneath thy feet. 
' But as thou hast learnt forsooth but idle ways, 
' No will to go to Work wouldst thou ; but rather 

* Wouldst crouch and beg about the land for bread 
'To feed that all insatiate belly of thine." 
Straight answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 

365 '' Eurymachus ! If 'twixt us two for Work 
' We had a rival match among the grass 
' In early summer when the days are long, 
' And I were furnished with a well-bent scythe, 
' And thou hadst also such, to try our luck 
' At Work, — and grass abundant, and we fasting 
' E'en till right dark at night!— or, were the match 

370 ' To drive a yoke of choice, huge, fiery bulls 

' Both full of grass, and both of one prime age, 

' Well-matched for labour and of strength untiring, — 

* Compare 2 Kings ii. 23, 24. 



BOOK S. 397 

' And had we then a land of some four acres, 

* The clod whereof would yield beneath the plough, — 
' Then shouldst thou witness, whether could I cut 

^ A furrow, right throughout and straight before me. 

375 ' Nay more ; were Chronides, from whencesoe'er, 
' To stir up battle-strife this day, and I, 
' Had I my shield, two spears, and brazen helmet 
' Fitted about my pate,— then shouldst thou witness 
' Me mingling 'mongst the foremost in the fight, 
' Nor wouldst thou twit me thus about the belly ! 

380 ' But passing wanton art thou, and thy mind 

^ Most froward. Yea, some seemingness thou hast 

* Of being some mighty one of strength, and tall 
' In company with puny good-for-noughts. 

* But were Odusseus haply to return 

' And reach his fatherland,— soon then Those doors, 
'Although so wdde, narrow would prove for thee 

385 ' Wherethrough to make thy escape from out the porch ! " 
He spake : whereat from very heart yet more 
Eurymachus waxed wroth ; and, eyeing him 
All grimly, spake in winged words : '^Ah wretch ! 
' Now sure some mischief quickly I'll do upon thee 
' For holding forth such prate thus daringly 
' Before so many and stout ; and hast at heart 

390 * No sort of fear ! Wine sure has reached thy wits :: 
' Or haply suchlike always is thy mood, 
' To chatter idly. Or art beside thyself 

* At having overthrown that vagrant Irus?" — 
So saying, he seized the footstool : down whereat 
Odusseus deftly sat him at the knees 

Of the Dulichian lord Amphinomus, 
395 Through fear of mischief from Eurymachus ; 



398 THE ODYSSEY. XYIII. 

Whose missile struck the butler, his right arm, 
When ringing' fell his wine-jug to the ground, 
And he with groans pitched backwards in the dust. 
Uproar anon throughout the dusky halls 
The suitors raised amongst them : presently, 
Eyeing his nearest mate spake some one thus : 
400 ^' 'would had anywhere this wandering Stranger 
' Perished ere coming hither : so forsooth 

* Never such uproar had he raised among us : 

' But now, here wrangling are we about a Beggar ! 

* And pleasure, no, not any can there be 

* In the brave feast, when such ill counsels gain 

* The upper hand." Anon thus also spake 
405 His sacred mightiness Telemachus : 

** Good Sirs ! ye 're mad ! and to your taste no longer 

* Put ye down meat or drink ! now sure some god 

* Upstirs ye thus. But as ye have bravely feasted, 
' And as your spirit so bids, go home to bed ; 

' But I, I force not any one away." — 
He spake ; whereat they bit their lips and looked 
410 All in amazement on Telemachus 

At these bold words. Amphinomus howe'er. 

Bright son of Nisus Aretiades, 

Spake thus and said: " friends, 'tis justly spoken ; 

* None then in angry mood must think to attack 

' With wrangling words thereat : as to the Stranger, 
415 * Ill-treat him not, nor any serf soe'er 

* About the palace of the prince Odusseus. 
' But come ye, let the butler hand us cups, 

' The wine-cups round ; and when we've poured libations 
' We '11 home for bed : and in Odusseus' halls 
' This Stranger leave we to the friendly care 



BOOK X 399 

' Here of Telemachus ; for His house is it 
420 * Whereto he is come a suppliant." Spake he thus, 
And said a matter pleasant to them all. 
Anon, lord Moulios, the Dulichian herald. 
Mixed them a bowl ; page also was he attendant 
To prince Amphinomus : then round he handed, 
And went to all in turn ; whereat they poured 
425 Libation to the happy gods, and drank 

The honey-pleasant wine:— libation made, — 
And when they all had drank to heart's content, 
Homewards for bed their several ways they went. 



400 THE ODYSSEr. XIX, 



AEGUME^T OF THE NINETEENTH BOOK. T. 

Odusseus with his son's help puts away the armour to he out of the suitors' 
reach. He converses with Penelope, and in answer to her inquiries gives 
her a fictitious account of himself. The nurse, in washing his legs, dis- 
covers hiin by a well-known scar upon his knee ; but he stops her from 
telling the queen : afterwards he again converses with her, and cheers her 
much by his interpretation of a dream she had had. 

TA U: how Odusseus with Penelope 

Holds converse : how the old nurse discovers him. 



But in the palace left behind was He 
The prince Odusseus, planning with Athene 
Death for the suitors ; and in winged words 
Thus to Telemachus he spake forthwith : 
** Telemachus, all fighting gear, yea all, 
' Must we remove and stow away within ; 
5 ^ And should the suitors miss them, and of thee 

' Ask questions, — wheedle them with courteous words, 
' As thus : '' I've put them by, from out the smoke ; 
'^ For like the same no longer are they as erst 
*^ Odusseus left, when setting forth for Troy ; 
" But all defiled ; so much the breath of fire 
'' Has reached them. This yet still of greater moment 
10 ^' Some lucky Chance has put into my mind ; 
^^ Lest haply drunken ye begin amongst ye 
^^ Some fray, and one wound other, and ye bring 



bookT. 401 

*' Dishonour thus both on your feast and wooing; 
'' For the bare weapon draws a man to use it." — 
So spake he : and his father's word forthwith 
Telemachus obeyed : then calling forth 

15 Nurse Eurycleia, thus he addressed her ; '^ Mother, 
' In their apartments keep me now the women ; 
' While to the inner house I carry and stow 

My father's goodly arms and fighting gear ; 
' Which all unheeded in my father's absence 
^ The smoke in the house is tarnishing : I as yet 
' Was but a child : but now,— I wish to stow them 

20 ' Awsij beyond the reach of the breath of fire." — 
Straight answered him the nurse, dear Eurycleia : 
" Ah, now, my child ! 'Would, 'would thou might'st at 

length 
' Gain thoughtfulness to be concerned for home, 
' And keep thy goods all safe. But now then, who, 
' Who shall go bear thee light ? For thou forbad'st 

25 * The damsels go before to give thee light." 
In prudent spirit Telemachus replied : 
'' This stranger shall : for suffer will I none, 
' Come from how far soe'er, in idleness 
' To touch My bread forsooth." He spake : and wingless 
With her remained the matter; and forthwith 

30 The doors fast closed she of their pleasant chambers ; 
Whereat Odusseus and his glorious son 
Upstarted to their feet and soon were carrying 
Helmets and bossy shields and pointed spears 
To the inner chamber ; while with golden lamp 
Athene Pallas went before and made 
A light of passing beauty. Straight thereat 

35 Thus to his father spake Telemachus : 



402 THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

" father ! sure before mine eyes I see 

' A mighty wonder here ! the palace walls, 

' The beauteous panelled bays, the pinewood beams, 

' And high upstanding pillars, everywhere, 

* All to mine eyes appear as though ablaze ! 
40 ' Sure here within is some one of the gods 

' Who dwell in the vasty heaven." Then answered him 
Odusseus ever-ready : *' Hush ! and check 

* Thy thought and question not : the way forsooth 

* Is this of the gods who dwell upon Olympus. 
' But Thou, to bed : and I'll stay here behind, 

45 ' And stir yet more these damsels and thy mother ; 
' When mourning me she'll ask me point by point." 
He spake : and through the hall and forth for bed 
By torch-light went Telemachus to the chamber, 
Wherein aforetime 't was his wont to lodge. 
When sweet Sleep came upon him. So to bed 

50 There went he now and lay till sacred Morn. 
But in the banquet-hall behind stayed He, 
The prince Odusseus, planning with Athene 
Death for the suitors. — Presently came down 
Thoughtful Penelope from forth her chamber, 
Like Artemis and golden Aphrodite : 

66 Beside the fire where 't was her wont to sit. 

For her they placed a lounge-chair ; wrought of silver 
And iv'ry, lathe- turned : which erewhile Icmalion 
With cunning hand had made, and underneath 
A footstool had he joined thereto : upon it 
Was cast an ample fleecy skin. And here 
Thoughtful Penelope now sat her down : 

60 Came also from their room her white-armed damsels, 
And cleared away the many viands and tables, 



BOOK r. 403 

And cups wherefrom those overweening suitors 
Were wont to drink their wine. Then to the floor 
Embers from off the torch-stands cast they down, 
And piled upon them other fuel, plenty. 
For light and warmth. Anon began again 
65 Melantho a second time to twit Odusseus : 
" Stranger ! here yet, dost mean to trouble us 
' All night and roam about the house ? and stare 

* A-gaping at the women ? Wretch, begone ! 

' Hence, out of doors ! and there enjoy thy feast : 

* Or quickly shalt thou forth, and beaten too 

' With fire-brand ! " Eyeing her askant thereat, 
70 Thus answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 

*' Good lady ! why launch out in angry mood 

* Against me thus ? Is 't that I am not sleek ? 
^ That on my limbs I wear a sorry garb, 

* And beg throughout the land ? for hard need presses : 
' Such is the case with beggarmen and vagrants. 

75 ' For once e'en I lived happy among mankind, 

* And had a wealthy home ; and oft-times gave 

* To such a wanderer, whosoe'er he were, 

' And whatsoe'er the need whereon he came. 

* Serfs had I too, yea countless, and abundance 

* Of everything wherewith men live at ease, 

' And are called rich : but Zeus has drained me quite, 

80 * For such somehow his will. Wherefore, woman, 

' Beware lest sometime, yes, e'en Thou shouldst lose 

* Utterly all thy brilliant comeliness, 

* Wherewith among the damsels now forsooth 

* Art foremost : see, lest haply in wrath thy mistress 
' Be hard upon thee, or lest Odusseus come ; 

' Whereof remains e'en yet a chance for hope. ^ 



404 . THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

85 ' And if so surely perished has lie quite, 
' And is to come no more, yet is there now 
' By Apollo's grace forsooth an able son, 
' Telemachus : and in her insolence 
' Not e'er a woman is there in the palace 

* Escapes his notice : for no longer is he 

* So young as that." So spake he ; and was heard 
90 By shrewd Penelope, who straight rebuked 

The attendant damsel thus and spake aloud : 

" Shameless, bold she-cur ! no, thou scap'st me not 

* In this audacious deed, which on thy head 

' Shalt thou wipe out. Full well thou knewest all, 
' For heard'st from me myself, how that I meant 
' Here in my halls to enquire about my lord 
95 ' E'en of this Stranger ; for I'm grieved yea sorely." 
She spake ; then, turning to her stewardess 
Eurynome, she said : *' Eurynome, 
' A seat fetch hither with a fleece upon it ; 
' Whereon this guest shall sit and tell his tale, 
' And hear mine too ; and I would question him." 

100 So She : whereat with busy stir the woman 

Brought and set down a polished stool, and cast 
A fleece upon 't, whereon then sat him down 
The patient prince Odusseus. Then began 
Thoughtful Penelope : '' First this, stranger, 
' Enquire of thee would I : who, and whence art? 

105 * And from what City com'st, and who thy fathers?" 
Straight answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
" To thee, woman, might not e'er a mortal 
' On the boundless earth speak ill ; for sure thy glory 

* Reaches the vasty heaven, as 't were the glory 
' Of some great king and blemishless, who rules 



BOOK T. 405 

110 ^ O'er many and mighty men and fears the gods, 

* And upholds righteous dealing ; and to whom 

* The black earth yields abundant wheat and barley , 
' Whose trees with fruit are laden ; and whose flocks 

* Bring forth unfailingly ; and to whom the sea 
' Gives fish : — reward for righteous government; 

* And under him his people thrive and prosper.^ 
115 * Now therefore in thy palace question me 

' About those other matters : ask me not 

* About my birth and fatherland ; lest haply 

' Shouldst fill my heart more full of woe than it is, 
' By such rehearsal ; for I'm sadly mournful : 

* And not becoming is 't in me to sit 

* Weeping and wailing in another's house : 
120 ' Nor is 't so well to mourn for everlasting : 

' Lest some amongst thy ladies, or e'en thou 

* Thyself, be indignant at me, and should think 
' That I was drunken, running o'er with tears, 

*And wits o'erwhelmed with wine." Straight answered 

him 
Thoughtful Penelope : " Indeed, Stranger, 

* The Deathless gods forsooth put a sad end 
125 'To all My bravery. My fair form and stature, 

' What time the Argives went on board for Dion, 

* When also with them went My lord Odusseus. 

* Might indeed He return and with His care 
' Circle this life of mine, a greater glory 

' And a more graceful thus were mine : but now 
130 ' In sadness am I ; such great troubles on me 

* 111 Chance has hurried : for as many nobles 
' As in the isles of Samos and Dulichium 

Compare Psalm cxliv. 13-14. 



406 THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

' Hold sway, and those in forest-crowned Zacynthus, 
' Those too that here in far-seen Ithaca 

* Dwell round about, they woo me against my will, 

' And waste my house. No heed of strangers therefore, 
135 ' Nor yet of suppliant wanderers do I take, 

' Nor yet of heralds, plying their public office : 

* But at my very heart I pine away, 

' Sore yearning for Odusseus : T/iey meanwhile 
' Are pressing on for marriage : but with guile 
' I still turn off : some god indeed first breathed it 
' Into my mind, to set my loom and weave 
140 ' A pall in my apartments, a wide web, 

* Fine and surpassing large : then presently 

' I thus addressed them : " young men, my suitors, 
" Since dead is prince Odusseus, yet, yet stay ye 
" Your pressing on this marriage, till I've finished 
'* A funeral pall (else vain and all for nought 
'' My threads were lost) ; 'tis for the lord Laertes, 

145 " Whene'er the fatal Doom of Death shall seize 
" And lay him out : that no Achaian woman 
*' In the land may blame me, as well she might, were He, 
" Who had owned great wealth, to lie without a shroud." 
' I spake ; and they, their gallant hearts obeyed me. 
' Daily then kept I weaving the large web ; 

150 * 0' nights howe'er, and when I had set my torches, 
' I ravelled out again. For three years thus, 

* I 'scaped the Achaians' notice and misled them : 

' But when on came the fourth year, and the seasons 
' With waning months and many a day gone round, 
' Then through some careless she-curs 'mongst my damsels 
155 ^ They came and found me out, and with one voice 

* Upbraided me. So thus, howe'er unwilling, 



BOOK T. 407 

^ Perforce the pall I finished ; and from marriage 

* Escape I cannot now, nor anywhere 

' Other device do I find : and urgently 
' My parents bid me wed ; and my son notes, 
' And is sore vexed, how they devour his living : 
160 ' For man enough to be concerned for home 

* Already is he, and Zeus vouchsafes him glory. 

* Tell me nathless thy race, wherefrom thou comest ; 
' For not a foundling art thou, born of a rock 

' Or oak of ancient story." Answered her 
Odusseus ever-ready : ** revered 

165 ' Wife of Odusseus Laertiades, — 

' Wilt not yet cease to ask that birth of mine ? 
' Tell thee I will then : but thou'lt give me over 
' To heart-aches e'en yet more than wherewithal 
' I'm whelmed already : for the way is this 
' With any man such long, long time away 
' From his own fatherland, as I've now been, 

170 ' Wandering about to many a Town in the world , 
' In sad distress : e'en so howe'er, I'll tell thee 
' What thou dost ask with such close questioning. 
' A certain sea-girt land there is, called Crete, 
' Goodly and fat, in the midst of the purple deep ; 
' Many, yea countless, its inhabitants : 
' Its Towns are ninety, and mingled one with other 

175 * Are many languages ; for therein dwell 

' The mighty-hearted Cretans, the ancient stock ; 

' Therein dwell also Achaians, and Cydonians ; 

' And Dorians also, triple-plumed in battle ; 

' High-born Pelasgians also : — 'mongst their Towns 

' The chief is Cnossus : wherein formerly 

' Minos, the bosom-friend of mighty Zeus, 



408 



THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 



180 



185 



190 



195 



200 



Was king nine years ; and of my high-souled sire, 

Deucalion, was he sire. His son Deucalion 

Begat both prince Idomeneus and me. 

Idomeneus howe'er with Atreus' sons 

On board of crook-beaked ships went forth to lUon. 

^thon the name by which I'm called ; — in age 

The younger-born : thus both in years and rank 

Was he before me. There saw I Odusseus 

And gave him hospitality. For driven 

Past Malea's headland from his course for Troy 

Was he by a violent gale, e'en unto Crete. 

His ship he moored within Amnisos' creek, 

Near Eileithyia's^ cave, in difficult moorings, 

And from the stormy winds he 'scaped but hardly. 

Straight to the Town up went he, and made enquiry 

After Idomeneus, who was, he said, 

A dear and honoured guest and friend of his. 

But the tenth morn was 't then, or may be eleventh. 

Since with his crook-beaked ships he had sailed for Ilion. 

/ therefore took Odusseus unto our palace, 

And gave him kindly treatment and all welcome 

To such abundance as the house afforded : 

And at the public cost I famished him, 

And all the comrades in his company, 

With barley cakes and sparkling wine, and beeves 

For sacrifice, to their full hearts' content. 

With us then stayed, twelve days, the noble Achaians ; 

For mighty Boreas' North-East wind kept pressing, 

And e'en on land permitted not resistance ; 

Sure some unfriendly god called forth such rage ; 

Upon the thirteenth day howe'er the wind 

* A goddess who Cmm to the aid of women in travail. 



BOOK T. 409 

' Went down, and off again put they to sea."— 

Thus telling many a lie, he made them all 

Seem truths ; and she, her face dissolved the while, — 

205 Fast flowed her tears ; and as on mountain tops 
Is thawed away the snow, when the warm Eurus 
From South-East has dissolved it, and when Zephyr 
Showers down from South-West, and the rivers run 
O'erflowing' at the thaw thereof; so melted 
Were her fair cheeks with tears, as thus she wept, 
Mourning her husband— seated at her side ! 

210 Whereat Odusseus in his heart indeed 

Had pity for his wailing wife ; yet firm. 
As were they horn or iron, his eyes remained. 
Unmoved within his eyelids : and through guile 
Kept he his tears concealed. Now when she had had 
Her fill of tearful wail, again she addressed him 

215 In answer: "Well then. Stranger, proof methinks 

* Now will I make of thee, whether 'tis true 
' Thou entertainedst yonder in thy halls 

* My lord together with his godlike comrades, 

^ As here thou say'st : tell me what sort of raiment 
'Had he upon his limbs ; what manner of man 

* Himself too ; and the comrades that were with him." 
220 Then answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 

"After such time gone by 't were hard, woman, 

* For me to say ; for now already is this 

' The twentieth year since He went thence away, 
' And left my fatherland ; nathless I'll tell, 

* E'en as appears the matter to my memory : 

22^ ' A purple thick>woolled cloak the prince Odusseus 

* Was wearing, doubled ; and a brooch thereon 
' Was fashioned with twin sockets : in the face 



410 



THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 



230 



235 



240 



245 



250 



Cunningly was it wrought : a hound was holding 
Beneath his gaze a dappled fawn that struggled 
'Twixt his fore paws convulsively : and all 
Were wont thereat to marvel, how wrought in gold, 
Throttling the fawn, the dog was gazing on him, 
While he convulsive with his legs kept struggling 
To make escape. His inner tunic also 
I noted, glossy ; like the filmy coat 
Scaled from dry onion ; e'en so soft it was, 
And brilliant as the sun : full many a woman 
Looked on 't indeed with wonder. Yet I'll say, 
And thou, lay it thou to heart ; I surely know not, 
Whether Odusseus had this raiment on him 
At home, or whether a comrade gave it him 
When going on board, or e'en some host or other ; 
For dear to many was Odusseus ever. 
And of the Achaians few might equal him. 
A stout sword / too gave him, and fair doublet 
Purple, and tunic reaching to his heels : 
And forth I sped him in his trim-built ship 
With reverent honour. And a herald with him 
There was, a little older than himself: 
What manner of man he was too will I tell thee : 
Hump-backed, and black-skinned was he and woolly- 
headed. 
By name, Eurybates : and him most chiefly 
Odusseus used to esteem 'fore all his comrades. 
For that his thoughts were apt and to the purpose." 

He spake ; and stirred a yearning after tears 

Yet more within her, as she recognized 

The sure and certain signs Odusseus told her. 

But when of tearful wail she had had her fill, 



BOOK T. 411 

T was thus she answered him : "Now in my halls 
How pitiable soe'er thou'rt hitherto 
To me, stranger, — dear shalt be henceforth 
And honoured : for 'twas I myself, I folded 
And gave from out the wardrobe e'en that raiment 
Whereof thou speakest : and I put thereon 
The brilliant brooch to be a jewel on him : 
But to his fatherland ne'er home again 
Him shall I welcome ; with such luckless fate 
Odusseus went in hollow ships to visit 
That ugly — that abominable Ilion ! " 
Then answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
' revered wife of Laertiades 
Odusseus, — Mourn no longer now thy lord. 
Nor fret thy comely face, nor let thy heart 
Pine away thus : not that I blame thee a whit : 
For the loss e'en of other manner of husband. 
The wedded of her youth, does a wife lament 
With whom she has lived in love and borne him children; 
Much more Odusseus then, who was, they say, 
Like e'en the gods. But stay thee from thy tears, 
And heed my word ; for tell thee will I truly 
And hide not, how already heard have I 
About Odusseus, and of his returning. 
Alive, in the Thesprotians' fertile land 
Hard by ; full many and goodly treasures too 
He brings home with him, begging through the country* 
But in the purple deep his hollow ship 
And trusty comrades has he lost, when coming 
From the isle Thrinacria : for both Zeus and Helios 
Were wroth with him, because his comrades slaughtered 
The Sun-god's beeves : thus in the stormy deep 



412 



280 



2S5 



290 



295 



300 



THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

They perished all : but on the keel of the ship 

Him a wave cast ashore npon the land 

Of the Phseacians,— kinsmen of the gods. 

They forsooth honoured him right heartily, 

As were he a god, and gave him many a gift, 

And were right willing of themselves to speed him 

All scatheless home : and here had been Odusseus 

Sure long ago, but unto his heart seemed this 

More gain, — to roam abroad and gather wealth : 

For many a gainful art Odusseus knows 

Beyond mankind, nor might there vie with him 

Any other mortal. Pheidon told me thus 

The king of the Thesprotians ; and with oath, 

While pouring out libation in his house. 

To me myself he said, how that a ship 

Was hauled down, and her crew equipped and ready 

To speed Odusseus to his fatherland. 

But me forth sped he first : for haply a ship 

Manned by Thesprotians chanced to be then going 

Bound for Dulichion's fertile land of wheat. 

And treasures that Odusseus had amassed 

He shewed me too, — stores as might sure support 

Down to the tenth degree of generations 

At least another yet ; such wealthy treasures. 

Stored for him, were there in the prince's halls. 

And to Dodona gone was He, he said. 

To hear from out Jove's lofty-branching oak 

The god's high counsel, how might he return, 

Now so long absent, to his fatherland. 

Whether by stealth, or openly : so thus. 

Safe is he surely, — and shall come, — already 

Eight near at hand ; nor shall he be much longer 



BOOK r. 413 

' Aloof, far from his friends and fatherland : 
' At any rate, hereon I'll give thee an oath : 

* First then Be witness Zeus, the best and highest 
' Of all the gods ; and let this sacred hearth 

* Of blemishless Odusseus, whereto I'm come, 
305 ' Be witness ; all shall here be brought to pass, 

' E'en as I say : this very year Odusseus, 

' At this month's ending and the next beginning, 

* Hither shall surely come." Straight then replied 
Thoughtful Penelope : — " Ah ! 'would, guest, 

* This tale of thine might come to be accomplished ! 
310 ' Then quickly both my friendship shouldst thou note 

' And many a gift from me : that whoso meets thee 
' Should surely call thee happy. But there comes 
' Into my heart a boding how it shall be : 
' Home shall Odusseus nevermore return, 
' Neither obtain an escort hence shalt thou ; 
' For in the house to give command are none, — 
315 ' Such as Odusseus used to be amongst men 

' (If ever he was at least) for the entertainment, 
' Or for the speeding forth of reverend strangers. — 

* But,— damsels, haste ye and wash him clean ; and set him 

* A bed and bed-clothes, cloaks and glossy rugs, 
' That he may fare right warm and comfortful 

320 ' Till gold-enthroned Morn. Then bathe and 'noint him, 
' In the Morn right early, and let him stay within 
' For breakfast with Telemachus in the hall : 
' And evil be to any amongst those men 
' Shall dare to annoy and vex his heart : no longer 

* Shall aught avail him here, how sorely wroth 
325 ' Soe'er he be. — For how shalt thou, guest, 

^ Learn whether I in any sort am better 



414 THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

* In wisdom and shrewd thought than other women, 

* If in my halls a guest thou'rt left ill- clad 

' And squalid : and a short-lifed race is man's. 
^ Whoso himself is harsh and versed in harshness, 
330 ' On him alive all mortals imprecate 

' Woes evermore ; and surely when he is dead, 

* All scoff at him ; but whoso, of himself, 

* Is blameless, and is versed in blamelessness, 

' His glorious name abroad do guests bear forth 
'Unto all mankind, and the world call him good." 
335 Then answered her Odusseus ever-ready ; 
*' revered wife of Laertiades 
' Odusseus, hateful are to me soft rugs 
' And glossy cloaks forsooth, e'er since I left 

* The snowy hills of Crete, and came away 

* On board the long-oared ship : but down I'll lay me, 
340 ' E'en as ere now I've spent my sleepless nights : 

' For in a berth unseemly many a night 
' I've passed already, and oft awaited thus 
' The sacred Eos on her comely throne. 
' Neither a whit is the foot-bath to my liking ; 

* Nor take hold of our foot shall e'er a woman, 
345 * Not one, of all the drudges in thy palace ; — 

' Unless there be some ancient trusty old dame, 

* Versed in kind service, who has undergone 

* Sorrows of heart as heavy as I have suffered ; 
' To touch my feet not such would I refuse." 
Thoughtful Penelope straight answered him : 

350 " Nay but,— dear guest, for of all foreigners 
' From far off lands no man of such sage spirit 
' E'er to my house has come a dearer guest 

* Than thou, whose speech is full of prudent spirit 



BOOK r. 415 

' In goodly terms ; but an old dame is here, 

* Full of shrewd thoughts of heart, who tenderly 

* Nursed and brought up that sad Unfortunate, 
355 ' And in her arms received him from his mother, 

' When first she bare him : She, though all so strengthless, 

* Shall wash thy feet. Then up ! shrewd Eurycleia, 

* And wash this guest of thine own master's age, 
' And e'en now such in feet and such in hands 

* Is haply Odusseus ; for in midst of trouble 

360 ' Folk soon grow old." So spake she then : whereat 
The old woman hid her face in both her hands. 
And shed warm tears and spake this wailing word : 
'* Alas ! me, my son, how in helpless trouble 
' Am I about thee ! Thee past humankind 
' Sure does Zeus hate, god-fearing though thou art ! 

365 ' For never yet to thunder-loving Zeus 

' Has mortal burnt so many a larded thigh-bone, 
' Nor choice fat hecatombs, as Thou to Him 
' Hast offered, praying to reach a smooth old age, 
'And rear thy glorious son : but now, alas, 

* Thee of thy home-returning day he has quite, 

' Ah, quite bereft ! And, may be now, the women 
370 ' Of some outlandish host, whose noble palace 

' He has reached a suppliant, are thus mocking Him, 

* E'en as at Thee, Sir, all these she-curs here 

' Were but now scoffing. 'T is to escape their outrage, 
' And all their scoffs, thou carest not for washing. 

* But me, not 'gainst my will, Icarius' daughter, 
375 ' Thoughtful Penelope, bids to thy service. 

' Both for Penelope's own sake and thine, 

' I'll therefore wash thy feet : for stirred within me 

' With sorrows is my heart ; but come now, heed 



416 THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

' The word I saj : full many a wretched stranger 
* Hither has come ere now ; but never any 

380 ^ Have I, methinks, yet seen so like as thou, 
' In figure, feet and hands, art like Odusseus." 
Straight answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
*' yes, old lady ! so they say, e'en all 
' That with their eyes have seen us both, how much 
' We re like each other ; just as thou thyself 

385 ^ So shrewdly sayst."' So spake he : whereupon 
The old woman took the pan all shining bright. 
Wherein she used to wash feet : and cold water 
Plenty she poured therein ; then added hot : 
Sitting meanwhile at the fireside was Odusseus, 
But quickly about he turned him to the shade ; 

390 For ready presage had he at heart, lest haply 
Handling him she should recognize a scar, 
And so should be discovered all the matter. 
She approached her lord and now began to wash him ; 
And presently — she knew the Scar : — where erst 
With his white tusk a boar had wounded him. 
When to Parnassus had he gone to visit 

395 His mother's gallant sire Autolycus, 

Him and his sons ; in thievishness and oaths 
Used he to excel mankind : and this the god 
Hermes himself vouchsafed him ; for to Hermes 
Wonted was he to burn well-pleasing thigh-bones 
Of lambs and kids : an escort ready and willing 
The god vouchsafed him therefore. To the fat land 

400 Of Ithaca came once Autolycus, 

And found his daughter with her babe new born, 

Which Eurycleia laid upon his lap 

Just after supper, when she spake this word 



BOOK r. 417 

And uttered it aloud ; ^' Autolycus, 

* Thyself now find a name to give this babe, 

* Thy daughter's darling boy, by thee so wished for." 
405 Straight answered her Autolycus and said : 

*' son-in-law and daughter mine, now give ye 
'The name 111 say : for here am I come hither, 
' ODIOUS to many upon the bounteous earth 

* Both men and women : wherefore named upon him 
' Be the name ODUSSEUS : and for my part I, 

410 ' When he shall gain his bearded age and come 
' On visit to his mother's former home, 
' The great house at Parnassus, where I ween 

* Treasures of mine are stored, thereof I'll give him, 

* And speed him home rejoicing on his way." 
For sake hereof, — this gift of splendid presents, 
Odusseus went : whom both Autolycus 

415 And all his sons received with friendly grasp 

And words of courteous welcome : also Amphithea, 
His mother's mother, clasped and kissed Odusseus, 
His head and both his beauteous eyes. Anon, 
Autolycus then bade his glorious sons 
Make dinner ready, and straight they heard his bidding, 

420 And quickly fetched a bull of five years old : 

They flayed and dressed and cut him all in joints. 
Then deftly piecemeal severed him and spitted. 
Skilfully broiled and portioned out the messes. 
All day then thus till sun-down were they feasting, 
Nor did the soul want aught in that brave feast. 

425 And when the sun was down and night come on, 
They laid them down and took the gift of Sleep. 
But soon as peeped the rosy-fingered Eos 
Sprung from the womb of Dawn, away they went, 

27 



11 



418 THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

Sons of Autolycus, both they and their dogs 
A-hunting ; and the prince Odusseus with them. 

430 Up the steep mount Parnassus clothed with wood 

Then went they, and quickly reached the gusty clefts. 
Just fresh from forth the calm and brimming Ocean 
Was Helios then beginning with his rays 
To strike the corn-fields : coming now to a glen 
Were the hunters : going before them were the dogs, 

43o Scenting the tracks ; and all the youths behind, 
Sons of Autolycus ; while close to the hounds 
With them came prince Odusseus, brandishing 
His lengthy spear. Hard by, lay a mighty boar 
In a close tangled thicket ; through the which 
Neither the force of moisture-breathing winds 

440 Might blow ; nor did the Sun-god with his rays 

Beaming strike through ; nor rain might throughly pierce. 
So close it was : and leaves profuse therein 
Were shed in many a heap. About the beast 
Now came the noisy tramp of men and dogs. 
As came they setting on ; whereat full facing 

445 From out his bosky lair stood he before them, 
All bristling up his horrid back, and glaring 
With eyes on fire : whereat foremost Odusseus, 
Kaising his lengthy spear with sturdy hand, 
Eager to wound, rushed on : the boar howe'er 
Was first at Him and struck him o'er the knee : — 

450 Glancing with sidelong tusk he tore away 

Much flesh, but reached not to the prince's bone. 
Him also Odusseus wounded, hitting him 
On the right shoulder ; where throughout went clean 
The glittering spear's point : down then fell the beast, 
Fell shrieking in the dust, and life soon fled. 



BOOK T. 419 

455 About the youtli with tendance hied his friends, 
Sons of Autoljcus, and skilfully 
Bound up the godlike prince Odusseus' wound, 
And stanched the purple blood with incantation ; 
Then to their father's palace straight returned. 
There when Autolycus and all his sons 

460 Had throughly healed him, splendid gifts they gave 
And with all kind exchange of farewell greetings 
Sped him rejoicing forth to his Ithaca. 
With welcome back his sire and lady mother 
Eeceived him home and questioned him of all, — 
The wound, how it happed ; and full account he gave them, 

465 How that he had gone a-hunting with his comrades, 
Sons of Autolycus, on mount Parnassus, 
Where with bright tusk a boar had wounded him. — 
With hands palm down This Scar the old woman seized, 
Handled, and Knew it, and of his foot left hold ; 
Whereat against the foot-pan fell his leg : 
Loud rang again the copper, and was tilted 

470 Over aside, and spilt thereout on the floor 

Was all the water. At once both grief and joy 
Seized her at heart : her eyes were filled with tears, 
And choked within her was her lively voice. 
Anon she took Odusseus by the chin. 
And said : " Odusseus art thou sure, dear child, 
* In very truth ! and 1, I knew thee not, 

475 ' Till the whole handling had I of all my master ! " 
She spake, and at Penelope looked hard 
With all her eyes, full fain to let her know, 
How her dear lord was home. The queen howe'er 
Could not then see before her, nor take notice ; 
For otherwise Athene turned her notice. 



420 THE ODYSSEr. XIX. 

Straiglit tlien with right-liand grasp Odusseus clutched 

480 And held the nurse's throat, and pulled her to him 

"With the other hand and spake : " Good mother ! why, 
* Dost wish to ruin me ? me, whom thou thyself 
' Didst at thine own breast nurse : and now I'm come 
' Through many a trouble to my fatherland 
' Home in the twentieth year. But as the god 

485 * Into thy heart has put it, and thou hast noticed, — 
' Be Silent ! let none other in the palace 
' Learn aught hereof. Else this I tell thee plain 
' And sure 't shall come to pass, — if my good luck 
' Shall bow those gallant suitors under me, 
' I shall not spare e'en thee, nurse though thou art, 

490 ' Whene'er I put to death those women slaves 

' Here in my palace." — Straight then answered him 
Shrewd Eurycleia : " How ! what word, my child, 
' Escapes thee from its fence of teeth ? Sure knowest, 
' How that my heart is steadfast, all unflinching ; 
' And hold firm will I, yea as any stone 

495 ' Or iron. And further yet I'll tell thee, and thou 

* Ponder it in thy heart, — if under thee 

^ Thy luck shall haply bow those gallant suitors, 
' Then of the women in thy halls I'll give thee 

* A full account, both which do thee dishonour, 

' And which are guiltless." Answered her thereat 
Odusseus ever-ready : " And why, good mother, 
500 ' Shouldst Thou name Them ? no need thereof hast Thou : 
' I'll con right well and have an eye myself 
' On each of them. But keep this matter quiet 
' And leave it to the gods." He spake : whereat 
The old woman stepped along the hall and out 
To fetch supply of water for his feet, 



BOOK T. 421 

For spilt was all the first. And when she had washed 
505 And 'nointed him with olive oil, his chair 
Nearer the fire again Odnssens drew, 
To warm himself, but covered np the scar 
"With his old rags. Anon then thus began 
Thoughtful Penelope : " One thing, guest, 

* Of thee would I myself yet question further 
510 ' But little while ; for sweet bed-time draws near, 

* When haply gentle Sleep may seize on some, 

' Although full sad. My Chance howe'er has given me 
' Grief, yea unmeasured ; for o' days in the house, 
' While looking on mine own and the women's tasks, 

* I take my fill of mournful lamentation ; 

515 ' And when night comes and all are gone to rest, 
' In bed I lay me down, but 't is to mourn, 
' While round my throbbing heart sharp cares and frequent 
' Disquiet me. — As Pandareus' fair daughter,'^ 
' The Sylvan Warbler, who in the early spring, 
'Seated among the frequent leaves of trees, 

520 ' Regales the night with her melodious song, 

' And pours her loud, thick-warbled, changeful voice, 
' Lamenting her dear Itylos ; whom erst 

* Through witlessness she slew with edge of sword, — 

' Her own dear child, son of her lord, prince Zethos ; — 
' E'en so my heart, wavering in doubt, is stirred 
' To and fro within me, whether to remain 
525 * Here with my son, and stedfast keep in place 
' All as before ; my property, my damsels, 

* And this large, high-roofed palace ; and revere 

' My husband's bed, and heed the people's voice : — 
' Or whether now at length to accompany Him 
* "Was changed into a nightingale. 



422 THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

* Who, noblest of the Achaians in my halls, 

' Woos me with countless gifts of wedding tokens. 
530 ' My son too, while he was but yet a child, 

' And of unbridled thought, did not permit me 

' To abandon this my husband's house for marriage : 

' But now that he's grown up, and has attained 

* His bearded age, he now e'en wishes me 

^ To leave the palace and depart ; so vexed 
' Is he for his possessions, which the Achaians 
535 ' Are eating up. — But come, interpret for me, 

* And hear this dream of mine. About the house 
' I've twenty geese, feeding on meal and water ; 

* And oft I take delight in looking at them : 

' Methought there came a mighty hook-beaked eagle 

* From forth the hills, and brake the necks of all, 

* And slaughtered them : and there in heaps they lay 
540 ' Scattered about the floors, while soaring up 

* On high rose he to the pure air of heaven, 

' But I, yea in my dream, I wept and wailed, 

' And thronging came fair-tressed Achaian women 

'About me moaning as I was, all sad 

' For that the eagle thus had killed my geese. 

' Back again soon howe'er he came, and perched 
545 ' Upon the jutting cornice, and began 

' To assuage me thus with human voice, and spake ; 

'' Be of good cheer ! far-famed Icarius' daughter ! 

'^ No dream is this, but brave reality, 

*'That sure shall come to pass. The geese, — thy suitors; 

'' And I, for the nonce, I was the flying eagle ; 

" But now, thy husband am I come again, 
550 *' To launch a doom unseemly on all thy suitors.^' 

' It spake ; whereat sweet slumber straightway left me ; 



• BOOK T. 423 

' And on my looking wistfully around 
' After the geese, there in the yard I saw them 
' E'en as aforetime at their feeding trough 
' Eating their corn."— In answer straight replied 
Odusseus ever-ready : '' Not at all 
555 ' Possible is 't, woman, to turn off 

* And otherwise interpret this thy dream ; 

* And specially since thus Himself, — Odusseus, 

' Has shewn thee how 't will end ; and for the suitors 
' All, utterly all, is here seen certain ruin ; 
' Nor shall there one 'scape death and violent doom." 
Thoughtful Penelope then answered him : 
560 " Inscrutable indeed, guest, are dreams 

' And hard to interpret ; nor comes all to pass 
' Of mortals' visions. For of fleeting dreams 

* Two gates there are : whereof is one of ivory, 

' And the other wrought of horn : now dreams that come 
^ Through the sawn ivory bring but idle tales, 
565 ' And cheat with empty hope : while such as come 
' Through gate of polished horn have all true issues, 

* Whoe'er the mortal that shall chance to see them : 

' But not therethrough came my strange dream, I fear : 

* welcome were it so forsooth to me 

' And to my son ! But now I'll tell thee somewhat, 
570 ' And lay it thou to heart : already near 

* Hastes on this Odious morn that shall remove 
' Me from Odusseus' house : for now a prize 

* I'm thinking to put forth for rival contest ; 

* I'll range those pole-axes, which 't was His wont 
' To set all upright in his court, in row 

' Like shipwright's undersetters, twelve in all ; 
575 'Then far aloof he used to stand, and shoot 



424 THE ODYSSEY. XIX. 

' An arrow througli. And now I'll put this contest 

* Before the suitors ; and whoe'er the easiest 

* Shall handle and draw the bow and shoot an arrow, 

* Right through the pole-axes, all twelve a-row, 

* With him will I go forth, and leave this dwelling, 
' My wedded youth's abode, so passing fair, 

580 ' So fully garnished, which sometimes, I ween, 
^ I shall hereafter think of e'en in dreams." 
Then answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
*' revered wife of Laertiades 
' Odusseus, now delay not any longer 
' This contest in thy courts ; for sure, i' faith, 

585 * Come shall Odusseus hither ever-ready, 

* Ere ever able They shall be to handle 

* That polished bow of His and draw the string, 
' And shoot an arrow through the iron hooks." 
Thoughtful Penelope straight answered him : 

*' Wast thou but willing thus to sit beside me 
590 ' In hall and cheer me, guest, there should no slumber 
' Be poured upon mine eyelids. But not granted 
^ Is 't for mankind to be without sleep always ; 

* For unto mortals on the bounteous earth 

* The immortals have ordained for every thing 
' A time apportioned. As for me howe'er 

' Up to my chamber now I'll go, and lay me 
595 ' Upon my bed which has to me become 

' So mournful, watered with my tears unceasing, 
' E'er since Odusseus went away to visit 
'That ugly, that abominable, Ilion. 

* There would I lay me, and in this house do thou 

' Lie also, and make thee a berth here on the floor ; 
' Or let them set thee a bedstead." Saying thus. 



BOOK r. 425 

600 Up went she, not alone, to her splendid chambers : 
With her went also all the attendant ladies. 
And when together with her waiting women 
She had reached her room, there wept she her lord Odusseus, 
Until upon her eyelids, closed at last, 
Bright-eyed Athene gentle slumbers cast. 



426 THE ODYSSEY. XX. 



ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTIETH BOOK. T. 

Odusseus observes some of tlie household women go out to pass the night 
with the suitors. In the morning great preparations are made for the 
feast of the new moon. Melantheus again insults Odusseus, who soon 
afterwards takes an opportunity of making himself privily known to 
Eumseus, and to Philoetius, the cowherd. Athene smites the suitors 
during their festivities with a delirious wildness and strange uncontrollable 
laughter, and other awful signs are at the same time witnessed during 
the eclipse of the sun. 

UPSILON : how with ominous thunderclap 
Zeus cheers Odusseus and restrains the suitors. 



But He, the prince Odusseus, thought to make him 
A berth in the entrance hall, where on the floor 
He spread an untanned oxhide, and upon it 
Fleeces of sheep, the Achaians' frequent victims. 
Then down he lay to sleep, and a warm mantle 
6 Eurynome cast o'er him. There Odusseus, 
In heart contriving mischief for the suitors, 
Now lay awake : anon from forth the palace 
Those women went, whose wont it was afore 
To accept the suitors' amorous intercourse : 
Midst mirth and laughter 'mongst them out they went. 
But He, stirred was the spirit within his breast, 
10 And in his heart and soul he pondered much, 
Whether to rush out after them, and put 
Each one to death ; or whether yet once more 



BOOK r. 427 

For the last time to suffer tliem to embrace 
The saucy suitors ; and his very heart 
Within him growled again. As round her puppies 
A bitch keeps guard, and if she knows him not 
15 Growls at a man, and stedfast stands to fight ; 
E'en so his angry spirit within him growled, 
Aghast at such ill deeds. And now he smote 
Upon his breast and thus reproved his heart : 
** Be patient now, my soul : once hast thou endured 
' Other e'en yet more shameless deed than this, 

* What time the Cyclops in his might resistless 
20 ^ Devoured my gallant comrades, and endure 

' Didst thou, till from his den thy crafty wit 

* Led thee safe out, sure thinking there to have died." 
So spake he addressing his own soul within him ; 
And under firm controul became his heart. 

Patient and calm : to and fro howe'er he kept 
Turning himself about. As when about 

25 O'er some great blazing fire a hungry wight 
Shifts rapidly a belly-pudding stuffed 
With fat and blood, and longs to have it broiled 
Eight quickly ; so was he from side to side 
Turning himself about, pondering the while 
How to lay hands upon those shameless suitors, 

30 He alone against so many : anon from heaven 
Down came Athene and unto him drew near : 
A woman seemed she in fashion ; as by his head 
She stood and spake this word : ''And why still watching? 
' Ill-fated sure past all men ! Here is thine home, 
' And here thy wife, at home, and here thy son, 

35 ' Such son as any man were fain to have." 
Straight answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 



428 THE ODYSSEY. XX, 

'^ Yea, goddess, just forsooth is all tliou sayest ; 

* But in my doubtful heart here is a somewhat, 

* My spirit yet ponders : how to lay my hands, 
' I all alone, upon those shameless suitors ; 

40 ' For here in the house they are always thronged together 
' And this yet further and of greater import 
' I ponder how, if helped by Zeus and Thee 
' I might contrive to slay them, how thereafter 
' Might I escape ? I entreat thee think of this." 
Then answered him Athene, bright- ej^ed goddess : 

45 " Dauntless ! and sure one might have trust in a friend, 
' Mere mortal though he be, and all inferior, 
' And not so skilled in counsels ; but a goddess 

* Am I, and I keep continual care o'er thee, 

* In all thy troubles : and I tell thee plain, 

' Were there in ambush round against us two, 
' Aye, fifty troops* of language-gifted men 
50 ' Eager with sword to slay thee, thou shouldst rather 

* Drive off from TAem their goodly fiocks and herds ! 
' But now let slumber seize thee ; wearisome 

' Is lying awake and watching all night long : 

' And soon from forth thy troubles shalt thou arise." 

So spake she, and poured down Sleep upon his eyelids : 

55 Then back to Olympus went the noble goddess, 
What time on him came limb-relaxing Sleep, 
Calming the cares and troubles of his spirit. 
Meanwhile howe'er his duteous consort waked. 
And sitting on her soft bed wept aloud. 
Now when she had wailed to her full hearts' content, 

60 This fair of woman-kind prayed first and foremost 
To Artemis: ^'0 Artemis, Jove's daughter, 
* Compare Psalm xxvii. 3. 



BOOK T, 



429 



Goddess revered ! that now wouldst tbou aim, 

Now at once, thine arrow at my breast, and take 

My life away ! or that a rushing whirlwind 

Would snatch me away, and hurry me along, 

Down the Dark ways of Gloom, and cast me forth 

Into the mouth of the ebbing Ocean-stream ! 

E'en as erst whirlwinds rose and carried off 

Pandareus' daughters, when the gods had reft them 

Of sire and mother ; and in the princely halls 

They were left orphans ; and fair Aphrodite 

Tenderly reared them, on sweet honey and butter 

And mellow wine ; and Here gave them beauty 

And understanding past all womankind ; 

And goodly height chaste Artemis vouchsafed them ; 

And in the working splendid handiworks 

Athene taught them. When fair Aphrodite 

Went on her way to thunder-loving Zeus 

On lofty Olympus, to ask accomplishment 

Of genial marriage for these orphan maidens, — 

For Zeus well knows the lot, or good or bad, 

Of death-doomed mortals,— Harpies meanwhile snatched 

And carried off the maidens all, and gave them 

To minister about the hateful Furies ; 

that the Dwellers in the Olympian courts 

Thus made me unseen, or fair-tressed Artemis 

Smote me forthwith, that looking on Odusseus 

In spirit, I so may down to the hateful land 

Below ; and never, never cheer the thoughts 

Of any meaner man ! But commonly, — 

One thing there is e'en bearable in distress, — 

When, though with aching heart one weeps o' days, 

0' nights, Sleep takes possession ; for He lulls 



430 THE ODYSSEY. XX. 

* Into forgetfiilness of everything, 

' Both good and ill, whene'er he enfolds the eyelids. 
' But against me my Chance is ever launching 
' 111 visions e'en in sleep. For at my side 

* This night again there slept, methought. His likeness, 
' Such as was He, when forth he went with the army : 

90 * And I, my heart was glad, for thinking was I 

* 'T was not a dream, but vision real indeed." 
She spake : and soon came gold-enthroned Eos. 
But presently did prince Odusseus hear 

Her wailing voice, whereat he straightway pondered ; 
And sure to his heart she appeared, as though already 
She knew him, and was standing at his head. 
95 Then grasped he at once the cloak and fleecy skins, 
Wherein he lay, and put them into the hall, 
Upon a chair ; and the ox-hide forth he carried 
And laid abroad ; then lifting up his hands 
To Jove he prayed : " If with good will, Zeus father, 

* O'er both the wet and dry ye have led me hither 

* To mine own land, though sometime overmuch 
100 ' Ye afflicted me, Let some of the waking folk, 

' Within doors, utter me an ominous voice ; 

* And a strange sign abroad be shewn of Zeus ! " 

So spake he praying ; and Zeus the lord of Counsel 
Gave ear, and from Olympus' dazzling top, 
Without a cloud, straight thundered from on high : 
Glad then was prince Odusseus : presently, 
lOo From forth the house a woman of the mill, 

Hard by, where stood the mills of the people's pastor, 
Uttered an ominous voice. For at the mills 
Womenslaves, twelve in all, worked lustily 
A-grinding barley-meal and wheat, men's marrow. 



BOOK T. 431 

All the others, who had ground their corn, were sleeping : 
110 This one howe'er not yet was leaving off. 

The feeblest one, till now she stopped her mill, 

And spake this word, an omen for her lord : 

" Zeus father, lord o'er gods and men ! yea loud 

* Indeed thou thunderedst from the starry heaven ; 
' Yet is there ne'er a cloud : now sure a sign 

* For some one show'st thou here : accomplish also 
115 * For wretched me this word that I would say : 

* let these suitors in Odusseus' palace 

* Take for the last time, yea, the last this day, 

' Their pleasant feast, for sure they have wearied out 

* My limbs by this heart-grieving drudgery 

' Of grinding meal : may this be their last ! " 
120 She spake, and prince Odusseus straight rejoiced 
At the omen of her voice and at Jove's thunder : 
For thinking was he to chastise the guilty. 
Now in busy groups at the hearth, the other damsels 
About the beauteous palace of Odusseus 
Were kindling the indefatigable fire. 
Meanwhile the godlike youth Telemachus 
125 Arose from bed ; soon donned his clothes and girt 

His sharp sword thwart his shoulders ; and fair shoes 
He bound beneath his comely feet ; then seized 
His sturdy spear, wrought sharp with brazen point. 
Then coming to the door-sill, there he stopped. 
And spake to Eurycleia: "What, good mother, 
' Of the stranger in the house ? have ye honoured him 
130 ' With bed and board ? or lies he still uncared for ? 

* For 't is so like my mother, — shrewd howe'er, — 

* Madly she honours one of the meaner sort 

' Of language-gifted men, and without honour 



432 THE ODYSSEY. XX. 

' Dismisses one far worthier." Answered him 
Sage Eurycleia : " Blame not her, my son, 
135 * Blameless as is she now. For sure he sat 

* Drinking his wine as long as e'er he listed ; 

* And no more hungered he for food, he said; 

' For that she asked him. When he at length howe'er 
' Bethought of bed and sleep, indeed she bade 
' Her damsels spread and furnish him a mattress. 

140 ' But he, like one all wretched and unhappy, 

' Chose not to sleep on a bedstead and in blankets ; 
' But, on an untanned ox-hide and sheep's fleeces, 
' He slept in the entrance hall ; and over him 
' We threw a cloak." She spake : then, spear in hand, 
Out through the hall strode forth Telemachus, 

145 And hounds, fleet-footed, followed close behind him. 
Forth to the assembly went he his way to meet ' 
The fair-greaved Ithacans : and to her damsels 
Turned she, the worthy dame, old Eurycleia, 
Daughter of Ops, Peisenor's son, and thus 
Began to urge them on : " Hie ! some of ye, 

150 ^ Make haste, and sprinkle and sweep the house ; and throw 
^ The purple covers on those fair- wrought thrones : 
' And some with sponges wipe round all the tables, 

* And cleanse the mixing-bowls and twin -cupped goblets : 

* And others, go ye to the spring for water ; 

' Hie ye and fetch it quick ; for from the palace 
155 ^ The suitors now will not be long away, 

' But here they'll be full early ; for with all 
' 'T is festal holiday." She spake : whereat 
They gave right willing ear, and did her bidding. 
Some twenty went to the well of darkling water ; 
While there about the palace deftly at work 



BOOK r. 433 

160 Kept the others. In soon came the Achaians' varlets ; 
Then 'gan they too to work right well and deftly 
At riving billet-wood : from the well again 
Now came the women : and soon after them 
The swineherd followed, driving three fat hogs, 
The best of all his herds. These he now suffered 
To graze beside the courtyard's goodly fences, 

165 While to Odusseus turned he himself and spake 

Thus courteously : *' Friend ! pri'thee, do the Achaians 

* Look on thee now with somewhat more respect, 

* Or do they still dishonour thee at the palace, 

' E'en as before ? " Then straightway answered him 
Odusseus ever-ready: ^'0 'would, Eumseus, 
' The gods would now chastise the wanton outrage, 
170 ' Wherewith these men run riot, scheming here 

* Deeds all unseemly in another's house, 

' And have no touch of shame ! " In suchlike talk 
Conversed they thus together. Presently, 
Towards them came Melantheus, master goatherd, 
Leading some she-goats, choicest of the flocks, 

175 For the suitors' dinner ; and two herdsmen followed, 
Attending him : anon the goats he tethered 
Under the echoing corridor, and thus 
With taunting words he then assailed Odusseus : 
" AA^hat, Stranger, here e'en yet abont the house 
^ Wilt thon be begging still, troubling the gentry ? 
' And wilt not quit the doors ? now not quite yet 

180 ' Shall we two part, methinks, till first we have had 
' A taste of fists together, since thou beggest 
' Thus impudently here : and sure there are 
' Achaians' feasts elsewhere." He spake ; whereto 
Odusseus ever-ready answered nothing, 

28 



434 THE ODYSSEY. XX. 

But silent moved his head, — in inmost soul 
Brooding o'er mischief. Unto them anon 

185 Came also a third,— -Philoetius, master herdsman, 
Leading a barren cow and good fat goats 
For the suitors. [Brought across the straight were these 
By ferrymen, whose business 't was to ferry 
Just any one might come to them for passage.] 
And under the echoing corridor he tethered 
These all securely ; and turning to the swineherd, 

190 Stood close beside and asked him : '' Swineherd ! who, 
' What new-come stranger have we here to our house ? 

* From forth what folk boasts he himself? and where, 
' What is his birth-place and his fatherland ? 

* Ill-fated ! sure too he seems in bodily fashion 

* A very king ! But into wretchedness 

195 ' The gods forsooth will plunge far-wandering vagrants, 
' When e'en for kings they spin the thread of woe." 
He spake ; then up he came with right-hand offer 
Of salutation, and in winged words 
Addressed the old man : " All health, father stranger, 

* Henceforth at least may happiness be thine, 
200 * By howso many an ill thou'rt compassed now. 

' Zeus father ! sure none other god there is 

* More mischievous than thou ! Thou feel'st no pity 

* At plunging men, although thyself their sire, 

* Into sad plight of wretchedness and trouble ! — 

* In a cold sweat I was at the sight of thee, 
205 * For thinking of Odusseus, and mine eyes 

* Were all in tears ; for He too, I fear, is wandering 

* About the world in tatters e'en as thine, 

* If any where he is living yet, and sees 

' The light of day : but if indeed he is dead. 



BOOK T, 435r 

And in the abode of Hades, then woe is me 
For blemishless Odnsseus ! He, He set me 
While yet a tiny lad, to tend his cows 
In Cephallenia : wondrously howe'er 
Now are they multiplied : and no-where else 
Sure might the breed of broad -faced beeves grow up, 
Like ears of corn, for a man, as these have thriven. 
'T is Others now howe'er that bid me bring 
These cattle for their feasts : and for His son 
In the house they care not e'er a whit, nor dread 
The vengeance of the gods ; for bent already 
Are they on sharing all the fair possessions 
Of our long-absent lord. But in my breast 
There is a matter whereupon my spirit 
Is in a continual whirl : base, indeed base, 
It were in me, while yet His son is living, 
To take these herds, and go with them away 
To another land of foreigners and strangers : 
More horrible howe'er is this, to stay 
Here and sit down in charge of beeves for Others, 
And bear such hardship. Long, yea long ago, 
I had fled and gone to some right puissant lord, 
(For bearable is 't no longer,) but that still 
I look for that Unfortunate, and hope 
He yet may haply come, and make a scattering 
Of these brave suitors in his halls." Then spake 
Odusseus ever-ready and answered him : 
' Herdsman ! now since thou seem'st a man not witless. 
Nor base : and e'en myself perceive how wisdom 
Is in thy heart, thee therefore will I tell, 
And by the great oath furthermore confirm it : 
First then of all the gods Be witness Zeus, 



436 THE ODYSSEY. XX. 

' And let tlie hospitable Table and Hearth 
^ Of blemishless Odusseus whereto I'm come 
' Be witness, — sure, while here thou yet art present, 
^ Home shall Odusseus come ; and thou shalt look 
^ With thine own eyes, if wouldst thou, upon the slaughter 
235 ^ Of all these suitors who now lord it here." 

Then answered him the herdsman master cowherd : 
*' Oh ! would Chronion bring such word to pass, 

* Then, Strang-er, shouldst thou mark what might mine is, 

* And how my hands obey it ! " In like manner 
Eumseus also prayed to all the gods. 

For sage Odusseus back to his home again. 

240 In suchlike talk conversed they thus together. — 
A violent Doom and Death, meanwhile, the suitors 
Were planning for Telemachus ; when lo. 
On their left hand, ill-boding, came a bird, 
A high-flying eagle, holding in his talons 
A timorous dove. Whereat Amphinomus 
Outspake and thus addressed them : *' Not, friends, 

245 * Smoothly with us will run this plan, — of killing 
' Telemachus : — but of our feasting rather 
' Let us take thought." So spake Amphinomus, 
And well his counsel pleased them. So they entered 
The halls of prince Odusseus, dofied their cloaks 
And threw them down on chair and bench, and soon 

250 Were slaughtering goodly sheep and well-fleshed goats ; 
The fat hogs also and heifer driven from pasture : 
The inwards then they broiled and portioned out ; 
And mingled wine in the mixing bowls : the swineherd 
Distributed the cups ; and the master cowherd, 
Philoetius, dealt the bread in comely baskets, 

255 While into the cups Melantheus poured the wine. 



BOOK r. 437 

Then on the viands ready laid before them 
The guests put forth their hands. — Telemachus, 
Turning' a wily thought, set for Odusseus 
Within the stately hall a stool unseemly, 
Near the stone door-sill, and a small mean table, 
Whereat he seated him and put before him 
260 Messes of the inwards ; poured him also wine 
Into a golden cup and thus addressed him : 
" Here sit now and drink thy wine among the gentry ; 
' And I, yes I, will keep from thee the taunts 
' And hands of all the suitors : for this house 
' Belongs not to the public, but to Odusseus ; 
2Q5 ' Also for me He gained it. And you, suitors, 
' Keep ye your tempers in from violent usage, 
' And keep your hands ; lest there arise some quarrel 
' And strife." He spake ; whereat, biting their lips. 
They all straight marvelled at Telemachus, 
For that he talked so undauntedly. Amongst them 
270 Anon spake thus Eupeithes' son, Antinous : 
Howe'er hard words these of Telemachus, 
Let us, ye Achaians, take them : threats indeed 
Big he holds out against us. For 'tis Zeus 
Chronides has not suffered it, or else 
Ere now we had put a stop to him in the house, 
Sweet speaker though he be." So spake Antinous ; 
275 But for his words the prince cared never a whit. 
Meanwhile, about the City there were heralds 
Leading a sacred Hecatomb for the gods ; 
And gathering were the long-haired Ithacans 
Under the shadowy grove of the Archer-king, 
Long-shot Apollo ; and when they had roast and drawn 
The meats from spit, they portioned out the messes, 



438 THE ODYSSEY. XX, 

280 And there they feasted, — a right glorious feast. 
And those, who in hall were minist ring, set on 
A mess before Odusseus, full and equal 
To that themselves obtained, for so 't was ordered 
By the prince Odusseus' son, Telemachus. 
Meanwhile howe'er, Athene suffered not 
The gallant suitors ever a whit to abstain 

285 From their despiteful, heart-distressing, outrage, 
Whereby yet furthermore should anguish pierce 
The heart of Laertiades Odusseus. — 
Now among the suitors was a certain man, 
Versed in iniquity (his name Ctesippos, 
His dwelling was in Same) : and presuming 
Upon his father's wealth was come a-wooing 

290 Unto the wife of the long-lost prince Odusseus : 
And thus now spake he among the saucy suitors ; 
'^ Listen, ye gallant suitors, while I say 
' A somewhat : here now already has the stranger 
' A portion, equal, as 't is fit he should ; 
' For to give short is neither right nor handsome 
' To strangers, whosoe'er he be shall come 

295 * Unto this house, guest of Telemachus. 

' But come, a guest-pledge I, yes I, would give him, 

* So that he too may give a fee to the slave 

* Who fills the bath, or to any other menial 

* About the palace of the prince Odusseus." 
So saying, a shank of beef that lay hard by 
With sturdy hand he took from out the basket, 

300 And hurled :— but slightly aside Odusseus bowed 
His head and shunned it ; and in secret heart 
Smiled such a grim. Sardonic smile ! and the shank 
Struck 'gainst the fair-built wall. With quick reproof 



BOOK r. 439 

Telemachus forthwitli attacked Ctesippos : 
'' Now verily, Ctesippos, for thy life 
' It happed here rather gain, thou didst not hit 
305 ' This stranger ; for he deftly shunned thy bolt ; 
' For else, sure had I smitten thee in the midst 
' With sharp spear, and thy sire had had to arrange 

* Thy funeral feast here rather than thy wedding : 

* Let therefore none display me his ill-behaviours 
' Here in the house ; for now I mark each matter, 

310 ' And know 'twixt good and ill, though heretofore 

* A thoughtless child. At the butchering of our flocks, 
' Draught of our wine, and eating of our bread, — 

* On this, all this, we look and e'en endure it ; 

* For to check many hard work is 't for one, 
' But come, no longer deal ye spitefully 

' And mischievously against me : if howe'er 
315 ' With weapon are ye bent already on slaying 
' Yea me myself,— e'en rather would I this, — 

* And yes, far better 't were to die, than witness 

* These shameful deeds for ever,— guests ill-used, 

* And your unseemly dragging to and fro 

' Of the womenslaves about our comely palace." 
320 He spake : whereat were they all still and silent : 
After a while howe'er spake Agelaiis, 
Damastor's son : "0 friends, 't is fairly said ; 

* Let none wax angry therefore and retort 

' With wrangling words ; and no more roughly treat ye 
' The stranger, neither any else of the slaves 
325 ' In prince Odusseus' halls. A word howe'er 

* Of kindly advice both to Telemachus, 

* And for his mother, would I say ; if haply 

* It may but please the heart of both of them : 



440 THE ODYSSEY. XX. 

' While yet indeed the spirit within your breasts 

* Was hoping sage Odusseus might return 

' To his own home, so long no cause for anger 
330 ' Was there in waiting, and in putting off 

^ The suitors in your halls (for thus 't was better, 
' If haply Odusseus had returned and reached 
' His home again) : but 't is already clear, 

* How that no more he is likely to return. 

* But to thy mother go now and sit beside her 

* And tell her this again in full, — to wed 

33o * Whoe'er 's the choicest man and brings most dowry ; 

* That so mayst thou rejoice and eat and drink, 
' And hold thy patrimony entire ; and she 

' Come forth to another's house." Straight answered him 
Telemachus again in prudent spirit : 
" Nay ! now by Zeus ! and by my father's woes, 
340 ' Who far, I ween, from Ithaca has withered, 
' Or is a wanderer, — no-wise, Agelaiis, 
' Thwart I my mother's marriage, but e'en urge her 
' To wed whome'er she would, and who moreover 
' Brings her a countless dowry : but I fear 
^ To chase her from the house against her will, 

* By a forceful word : — may Zeus forbid it ever !" 
345 So spake Telemachus ; whereat Athene 

Stirred up an inextinguishable laughter 
Among the suitors and deranged their wits. — 
And now unnaturally they laughed again 
With strange, strange cheeks ; and now did eat fleshmeat 
Defiled with blood ; and forthwith all their eyes 
Were filled with tears ; and the heart foreboded woe. — 
350 Anon then godlike Theoclymenos 

Spake thus among them : " Ah ! ye luckless ! what, 



BOOK T. 441 

' What ails you here ? Enshrouded are your heads, 
' Faces and limbs below, in gloom ! and wailing 

* Bursts forth like wild-fire ! and your cheeks are drowned 
' In tears ! and all with blood the walls are spattered, 

355 ' And these fair panels ! And the porch is full, 
' And the court yard is also full, of phantoms, 
' Hasting to Erebos in nether darkness ! 
' Clean too from out of heaven the Sun has perished ! 
'And a baleful Gloom has o'errun everything!" 
He spake ; whereat they all laughed jollily. 
Then first to harangue them was Eurymachus, 

360 Polybus' son : " Now sure this fellow is daft, 

* This new-come stranger from abroad. — But, quick ! 
' Quick, help him out of doors, my lads, away, 

' Into the market-place ; since here he thinks it 
' So night-like !" Godlike Theoclymenos 
Straight answered him : *' Not thee, Eurymachus, 
' Do I ask to give me an escort hence : I have 
365 * Eyes and ears too, and a pair of legs, and wit, 
' Not of unseemly fashion in my breast : 

* With help of these I'll forth from out these doors, 
' Since upon You I notice trouble coming ; 

' Escape or shun the which may nqver a one 
' Of all you suitors, who thus insolently 

* About the godlike prince Odusseus' palace 

370 ' Treat men with wanton outrage." Saying thus, 
Forth went he from the pleasant dwelling-house. 
And straightway to Peirseus, who with welcome 
And ready soul received him. But the suitors. 
All eyeing one another, 'gan to goad 
Telemachus, and joked about the strangers : 

375 Then spake on this wise one of the saucy youths : 



442 THE ODYSSEY. XX. 

''In guests, Telemaclius, was no one ever 

' So unlucky as thou ! sucti sort as here thou hast, 

* A hungry vagrant, begging bread and wine, 

' Skilled in no manner of work, nor bodily strength, 
' But a mere weight on the earth. And the other one,- 
380 * Here forsooth upstood He to prophesy ! 

* But now heed me, for this were far more gain : 
' Put we these strangers into a merchant-ship 

' Of many thwarts, and forward them for sale 
' To the Sicilians, whence 't would fetch thee back 
' A goodly price." Such was the suitors' talk : 
About their words howe'er no heed took he ; 

385 But kept, in silence, looking towards his father ; 
And ever watching, when He at length would lay 
Hands on the shameless suitors. Now the queen, 
Icarius' daughter, shrewd Penelope, 
Had set her beauteous chair right o'er against them, 
And heard the talk of each in the men's apartments. 
For amid laughter there did they make ready 

390 Their Dinner, — all right sweet and plentiful. 

So many a beast they slaughtered. But for Supper,^ 

Never, I ween, should other banquet prove 

So graceless, as indeed full soon before them 

The goddess and the mighty Man of valour 

Were going to set, — the suitors to repay 

For all their schemes unseemly of many a day. 



BOOK ^. 443 



ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FIRST BOOK. $. 

Penelope oonsents to wed him who shall shoot hest with Odusseus' Bow. 
Odusseus bids Eumaeus and Philoetius to secure all the palace gates : he 
manages to get the Bow into his hands after the suitors hare been trying, 
without success, to string it. He howe'er strings it with ease, and shoots 
through all the iron rings of the pole-axes set upright in a row. 

PHI : sings the Bending of Odusseus^ Bow, 



Thus then Athene, bright-eyed goddess, put it 
Into the heart of shrewd Penelope, 
Icarins' daughter, to put forth to the suitors 
The Bow and the grisly steel, in the court-yard 
Of prince Odusseus, — for the prize of contest, — 
And for beginning of the work of Slaughter. 
5 Up the high stairs now went she to her closet, 
And took therefrom in her plump hand a key. 
Brazen, well-curved and beautiful, whereof 
The handle was of ivory ; and thence away 
With her attendant women straight she went 
To the store-room at the furthest end, wherein 
The treasures of her lord were laid in store, 
10 Both brass and gold and stubborn iron. There also 
Lay his elastic Bow and arrowy quiver. 
Wherein was many a groan-begetting shaft : 
Gifts were they from a friend who had chanced to meet 
him 



444 THE ODYSSEY. XXI. 

In Lacedsemon, — godlike Ipbitus, 

The son of Eurytos. 'T was in Messene 

15 The two fell in together at the house 

Of doughty Orsilochus : thither Odusseus 

Had gone to claim the payment of a debt 

Which all the people of that country owed him : 

For the Messenian men had carried off 

From Ithaca three hundred sheep and the shepherds, 

On board their many-oared ships. On embassy, 

20 For the sake of these, Odusseus, a mere lad, 
Went forth the lengthy voyage ; for his father 
And the elders all had sent him. Thither also 
Came Ipbitus in search for mares he had lost, 
Twelve brood-mares with their mule-foals bred for drudgery; 
Which proved indeed ere long his death and slaughter, 

25 What time thence came he to that dauntless man, 
Strong-hearted Heracles, the son of Zeus, 
Practised in mighty deeds ; who slaughtered him ; 
Yea, slaughtered e'en the guest within his house. 
Cruel, regardless of the gods' just vengeance. 
And of the Table he set before his guest, 
E'en Him he slew : the firm-hoofed mares he had 

30 Himself meanwhile in stall. In search for these^ 
Ipbitus met Odusseus, and there gave him 
The Bow ; which mighty Eurytos, his father. 
Was erewhile wont to carry : dying howe'er. 
He left it in his lofty halls to his son. 
To him Odusseus gave a sharp-edged sword 
And a stout spear : 't was thus began between them 

35 A kind close friendship ; but no knowledge had they 
One of the other's table : for, ere that, 
The son of Zeus slew godlike Ipbitus. 



BOOK $. 445 

'T was thus he gave the Bow : but forth to war 
The prince Odusseus never used to take it 
In his dark ships ; but there within his halls 

40 'T was left laid up in mem'ry of his friend ; 
On his own land howe'er he used to carry it. — 
Now when the fair of women reached at length 
That store-room, and set foot on the oaken sill, 
Which erewhile deftly had the carpenter 
Smoothed and made straight by line, and thereon fixed 

45 The posts upright, and fitted splendid doors, — 
Anon she quickly loosed the handle's latchet, 
Thrust in the key, with right straight forward aim, 
And drave the door-bolts back ; which creaked again, 
Loud as a bull at pasture in a meadow; 
So grated loud the goodly doors, at the bolts 

50 Struck by the key, and wide forthwith they opened. 
Anon then stepped she upon a lofty stage. 
Where stood large chests, wherein sweet-smelling raiment 
Was laid in store. Thence reaching up, she took 
The Bow and brilliant case wherein 't was kept. 
All just as 't was, from off the peg. Then down 

55 She sat her there and laid it on her lap. 
And wept aloud full sore, as her lord's Bow 
She drew from forth its case. — Now when at length 
She had had her fill of tearful wail,— in hand 
She took the elastic Bow, and arrowy quiver 
With many a groan-begetting shaft therein, 

60 And went her way to the hall, to the gallant suitors. 
In close attendance came her handmaids also 
Bearing a coffer, wherewithin were kept 
The many prize-proofs of an able Master, 
The gear of brass and iron. Soon as the lady, 



446 THE ODYSSEY. XXI. 

Peerless of women, reached the suitors* presence, 
65 Veiling her cheeks by her bright kerchief lappets, 
She stopped by the pillar of the vaulted roof, 
While stood beside her, one on either side, 
Her trusty attendants. Straightway to the suitors 
Outspake she thus and said: " Give ear to me, 
' Ye gallant suitors, who to eat and drink 
'Throng to this house for evermore unceasing, — 
70 ' My husband long time gone away : nor can ye 

* Make up another story of any kind, 

* Save that ye 're fain, each one, to marry me 

' And take me for a wife. Come then, ye suitors, 

* Since TMs appears to be the prize of contest ; 

* I'll set you prince Odusseus' mighty Bow ; 
75 * And whosoe'er shall easiest with his hands 

' Bend the strong Bow, and shoot an arrow through 

* The pole-axe hooks, all twelve, — with Him I'll go, 

* And leave this home, my wedded youth's abode, 

* So passing fair, and all so fully garnished ; 

' And which, sometimes I ween, I shall hereafter 

* Eemember, e'en in dreams." So saying, she turned, 
80 And bade the noble swineherd, kind Eumseus, 

Put forth the Bow and grisly steels to the suitors. 
In tears forthwith, Eumseus took 't in hand 
And laid before them. Master cow-herd also. 
Soon as he saw his lord's Bow, wept aloud. 
Whereat Antinous 'gan to chide, and spake 
This word, and gave it utterance loud : '^ Ye clowns, 
85 * Childish, with thought but for the day, poor wretches ! 

* Why shed ye now these tears, and move the spirit 

* In the lady's heart ? when sure already lies 

' Her spirit in grief, for loss of her dear consort. 



BOQK $. 447 

* Sit ye then still and eat your meat in quiet ;, 
' Or out of doors begone and weep, and here 

90 ' Leave ye the Bow and arrows for us suitors, 

* For our decisive, difficult prize of contest. 

* For no, not easily shall This Bow, methinks, 

* Be bent. For not, 'mougst all the sort of us, 
^ Is there a man here, such as was Odusseus : 

* Yea him I've seen myself,— and well recal 

95 ' To mind, — though then but a mere heedless boy," 
He spake ; within his breast howe'er his heart 
Was hoping he might draw the string and shoot 
An arrow through the steels. But sure, ere that. 
He was to have a taste of the arrow first 
From forth the hands of blemishless Odusseus, 
Whom in his palace was he then dishonouring, 
100 And stirring all his comrades to the like. 
Anon spake thus his sacred mightiness 
Telemachus: '^0 Strange! sure utterly 

* Zeus Chronides has reft me of all my wits ! 
' Here 's my dear mother, prudent as she is, 

* Saying she'll quit this house, and follow fortk 

* Another lord ; and I, the while, am laughing 
105 * All in a witless mood and making merry. 

* Come then, ye suitors, as the prize is ThiSy 

* A woman, such a one as is not else 

* In all the Achaian land, neither in Argos, 

* Nor in Mycene, nor in sacred Pylos, 

' Nor here in Ithaca, nor in dark Epeirus ; 
' But this indeed ye know full well yourselves : 
110 ' What need have I to speak my mother's praise ? 

* Come then, make no excuses for delay : 

* Nor turn ye a moment longer from the stringing 



448 THE ODYSSEY. XXI. 

' This Bow, that we may see. Yes, of this Bow 
^ E'en I myself would have a trial : and if, — 
^ If shall I haply draw it and shoot an arrow 

* Through the iron loops,— not then to my distress, 
115 ' Shall my dear lady mother quit these halls, 

' And follow another lord ; and I the while 

* Be left behind, all able now to win 

' And carry off my father's beauteous prize !" 
He said ; and upright started to his feet. 
And doffed the crimson mantle from his shoulders, 
And laid aside sharp sword and shoulder-belt. 

120 First then for all the pole-axes he dug 

One lengthy trench and made it straight by line, 
And set them up, and rammed the earth about them : 
Amazement straight got hold on all, at seeing 
How well and orderly he set them up : 
And never had he looked before upon them. 
Then coming to the door-sill, there he stood, 

125 And 'gan to try the Bow : whereat indeed 

He struggled thrice, full fain to draw and string it : 
But thrice he slacked his hand, at heart howe'er 
Yet hoping still to strain the string and shoot 
An arrow through the steels. And by his might 
Sure had he drawn at the fourth assay and strung it, 
But that Odusseus now did shake his head 

130 To check him, fain howe'er. Whereat outspake 
His sacred mightiness Telemachus 
Yet thus again : "Oh Strange ! now either strengthless 
' And good-for-nought e'en henceforth shall I be, 

* Or am too young, and cannot yet rely 

' On strength of arm to ward off e'er a man 

' Who first dealt hard upon me. But now come, 



BOOK ^. 449 

135 * Ye who so far surpass me in bodily strength, 

* Try ye the Bow, and let ns end this match." 
So saying, the bow he set aside on the ground, 
Against the well-joined, polished planks of the door, 
And put therewith, up 'gainst the Bow's fair tip, 

A speedy shaft : then down again he sat him 
On the chair wherefrom he had risen. Anon outspake 
140 Eupeithes' son, Antinous : ''Now, my friends, 
' In turn arise ye all from left to right, 

* Beginning from yon point, wherefrom the butler 

' Hands round and pours out wine." So spake Antinous ; 
And well his counsel pleased them. First then rose 
Leiodes, Oinops' son ; priest 'mongst the suitors 

145 Was he, and always sat in the inmost corner, 
Near the fair mixing bowl : to him alone 
Hateful were deeds of arrogance and riot ; 
And oft with all the suitors was he wroth. 
He then the foremost took in hand the Bow 
And speedy shaft : to the sill he came and stood, 
And 'gan to try the Bow ; but strung it not ; 

150 For in his tender, unused hands he grew 

Soon weary of drawing it back : then spake he thus 
Among the Wooers : " friends, I string it not: 

* Take it e'en some one else : such Bow as This 

* Will sure rob many a prince of life and spirit : 

* Far better too to die, — than live and miss 
155 ^ The mark whereat we 're all, together here, 

' For ever aiming thus, and day by day 

' Expecting. — Each now hopes and longs to marry 

* Penelope, the consort of Odusseus ; 

' But let him, when he has tried the Bow and seen, — 

* Seek out and woo with wedding gifts some other 

29 



450 THE ODYSSEY. XXI. 

160 ' Among the fair-robed ladies of Achaia. 

' And let the queen wed him who brings most dowry 

* And comes to be her destined lord." He spake ; 
And laid the Bow aside and set it up 

Against the well-joined polished planks of the door, 
And put therewith, up 'gainst the Bow's fair tip, 
165 The speedy shaft : then down again he sat him 

On the chair wherefrom he had risen. Whereat Antinous 
Began to chide, and spake this word aloud : 
*' What strange and horrible word is this, Leiodes, 
' Escapes thy fence of teeth ? I'm wroth to hear it : 

* And so indeed ! this Bow,— this shall rob princes 
170 ' Of spirit and life, because forsooth not T/iou 

' Hast power to string it ! No ; for Thee, i'faith, 
' Thy lady mother bred not of the stuff 
' Like to be fit for handling Bows and arrows ! 
' But all these other gallant suitors here 
' Will quickly bend it." Spake he thus ; and turned, 
175 And bade Melantheus, master goatherd : " Here ! 

* Come on, Melantheus ! light us now a fire 

' In the great court, and set thereby a long bench 
' With fleece thereon ; and a large cake of tallow 
' Fetch from the store within doors, that we lads 
' May warm the Bow and 'noint with grease and try it, 

180 ' And bring this match to an end," He spake ; and quickly 
Melantheus lit the untiring fire ; and brought 
And set a bench thereby, with fleece upon it ; 
Then fetched a lump of tallow from within ; 
Wherewith the youths then warmed and 'gan to try : 
Yet no ; not string it could they ; but of strength 

185 Came short by far. Godlike Eurymachus 
Was waiting yet, as also was Antinous ; 



BOOK $. 451 

Chief 'mong the suitors they, and far the best 
In manly prowess. From the house meanwhile 
There walked forth two, both at one time together, 
The prince Odusseus' cowherd and the swineherd : 
190 Soon after them from out the house came also 
Himself, the prince Odusseus : when howe'er 
Well out they were from the doors and courtyard also, 
In courteous words he accosted them and said : 
" Cowherd, and thou, swineherd, may I speak 

* A somewhat? or yet hide it shall I still ? 

' My heart howe'er bids tell it out : — what sort 
195 ^ Of Help would ye be like to give Odusseus, 
' If haply hither came he all on a sudden, 
' And were some god to bring him ? would ye help 
' The suitors or Odusseus ? say ye at once, 
' Say freely, how your heart and soul now bid you." 
Straight answered master herdsman of the cows : 
£00 ' Zeus father ! that thou wouldst bring to pass 
' This yearning wish ! Q may that Man return, 
' And some kind chance be his guide ! then shouldst thou 

know 
' What might mine is, and how my hands obey it !" 
So likewise did Eumseus also pray 
To all the gods, that the ever-shrewd Odusseus 
Might come to his home again. Now soon as thus 
205 He knew for a truth their mind, again he spake 

And answered them : "At Home then. Here indeei, 

* This very He, e'en I myself am come 

* Through many a trouble to my fatherland 

* In the twentieth year ! I know too, that I come 

* Welcome to you two only of all my serfs : 
210 ' Nor have I heard of e'er another praying 



4:52 THE ODYSSEY. XXI, 

' For my return here home again. To You then 

* I'll give a true account e'en how 't shall be : 

' If my g'ood Chance shall bow down under me 
' Those gallant suitors, — wives I'll choose ye both, 
' And give ye goods, and houses built near mine, 
215 ' And ye shall henceforth be to me the friends 
' And brothers of Telemachns.— But come ! 
' I'll shew ye somewhat, yea a mark right plain, 

* Whereby ye well may know me, and be assured 

^ In heart, — a Scar, where once a white-tusked boar 

* Gave me a wound when hunting with my kinsmen, 
220 ' Sons of Autolycus, on mount Parnassus." 

So saying, he pushed aside his wretched rags 

From the great Scar. Soon as they had looked thereon 

And noted well each mark, — flinging their arms 

About their shrewd Odusseus, — out aloud 

They wept forthwith, and welcomed him, and kissed 

His head and shoulders. Them in same sort also 

225 Odusseus kissed, their hands and heads. And sure. 
Gone had the sunlight down upon their weeping, 
Unless Odusseus had himself repressed it, 
And spoken thus : " Have done with tears and wailing, 
^ Lest some one from the hall come forth and see it, 
' And straightway tell thereof within . But go 

230 ' One after other in, not all together : 

' I foremost, and then you : and T/iis be a signal ; 

'Those gallant suitors yonder, one and all, 

' Will sure forbid the giving of the quiver 

' And Bow to me : but thou, my noble Eumseus, 

' Bring thon the Bow along the hall, and put it 

235 ^ Into my hands : and bid the women shut, 

^ And make all close and fast, the great hall doors. 



BOOK ^. 453 

' And should tliey hear within either the groaning 

* Or heavy fall of men in our apartments, — 

* Let ne'er a one come forth a step : but there 

' Keep close and silent at their work. — And thee, 
240 ' Noble Philoetius, thee I charge make fast 

' The court-yard gates with bolt and bar right quickly." 

So saying, he entered into the pleasant mansion, 

Went straight to the bench and sat him whence he had 

risen : 
And soon thereafter, in came also they, 
The serfs of prince Odusseus. There already, 
245 Eurymachus, the Bow between his hands, 
Was warming it before the blazing fire, 
To and fro, and fingering it : yet for all that 
String it he could not : and his noble heart 
Groaned mightily, when with a heavy spirit 
He spake this word and gave it utterance loud : 
'^ strange ! now sure both for myself and all 
250 ' Am I distressed ! nowise for sake of the marriao;e 
' Do I mourn so much, however grieved I be : 
' Other, yea plenty, Achaian women are there, 

* As well both here, in sea-girt Ithaca, 

* As also in other lands : but, if indeed 

' We come so short of prince Odusseus' might, 
' As that we cannot string his Bow, — reproach 
255 ' In the ears of those e'en yet to live will it be." 
Then answered him Eupeithes' son, Antinous : 
*' Not so shall it be, Eurymachus ! and yes, 
' Thyself know'st better. For throughout the land, 
^ Festival holiday is this indeed 
^ Of just that god ! Who then would bend a Bow ? 
' Be easy about it then and lay it aside. 



454 THE ODYSSEY. XXI, 

260 * But all the pole-axes, an't please ye so, 

' We '11 still let stand : for none, methinks, will enter 

* The court of Laertiades Odusseus 

' And fetch them off. But come ye, let the butler 
' Bear us the wine-cups round, and with libation 
' Put we aside the crooked Bow. And bid ye 
^65 ' Melantheus, master goatherd, bring us goats 
' At dawn, the very best of all the flocks ; 

* That when we 've offered thighbones unto Apollo, 
*The renowned Archer, we may try the Bow, . 

^ And bring the match to an end." So spake Antinoua, 
And well his counsel pleased them. Anon the heralds 

270 Poured water upon their hands ; and youths crowned high 
The mixing-bowls with wine : libation made. 
Then handed they the goblets round to all. 
Now wdien they had poured the firstlings, and had drunk 
As much as heart desired, — with wily thought 
Odusseus ever-ready thus addressed them : 

275 " Hear me, ye AVooers of the illustrious queen, 

* While as the spirit within me bids I'll speak : 

* Eurymachus howe'er I chiefly entreat, 

* And prince Antinous, who herein has spoken 
' So fitly : let the Bow indeed rest now, 

* And trust the matter to the gods : and the god 
280 ^ To-morrow morn will grant the mastery 

'To whom he will. Yet come, I pray do grant me 
' The polished Bow, that of my power of arm 
' Trial may I make among you, whether yet 

* Strength have I such, as in my pliant limbs 

* There wont erewhile to be ; or whether now 

' Want of good care, and wandering have undone it." 
285 He spake : whereat all wroth were they past measure 



BOOK ^. 455 

In fear lest lie should string the polished Bow. 

Anon Antinous thus began to chide, 

And spake this word and uttered it aloud : 
* Sure never a grain of wit hast thou within thee, 
Wretch of all strangers ! Art thou not contented 
At feasting here amongst us puissant nobles 
In peace and quiet ? and how that never a whit 
Art reft of share in the banquet, but e'en hearest 
Our talk and every word ? And never thus 
Do other begging strangers hear our talk. 
Sure 't is the honied wine has damaged thee : 
As harms it many a one beside, who takes it 
With greedy throat and drinks without meet measure. 
'T was wine that ere while hurt renowned Eurytion, 
The Centaur, visiting the Lapithse ; 
'T was in the halls of mighty-souled Peirithous : 
For having there with wine distraught his wits, 
Frantic, he wrought ill deeds about the palace 
Of prince Peirithous : whereupon distress 
Gat hold upon the lords : they arose against him, 
Lopped off his nose and ears with ruthless sword, 
And dragged him forth through porch and out of doors : 
Whereat, beside himself in wits, and suffering 
His own rash mischief, wandering went he forth 
With damaged mind : wherefrom arose war-strife 
Betwixt the Centaurs and those doughty men ; 
And he, the drunk with wine, found out the mischief 
On himself foremost. Also on thee great trouble 
I shew thee plain, if That Bow wouldst thou bend. 
With courtesy from no one shalt thou meet 
In all our land ; but soon we '11 put thee on board 
And send thee to king Echetus, the bane 



456 THE ODYSSEY. XXI. 

' Of all mankind; and thence nor safe nor sound 

^ Shouldst thou come off. Drink then in peace and quiet, 

310 ^ And think not here to yie with younger men." 

Then straightway shrewd Penelope addressed him : 

*^ Antinous ! neither right nor comely is it 

' To maltreat strangers, whosoe'er they be, 

' Beneath this roof, guests of Telemachus. 

' Dost thou suppose then,— should perchan(;e this Stranger 

' Prevail by his strength of arm, and haply bend 

315 * Odusseus' mighty Bow, — that he should take 
' Me for his wife and lead me home with him? 

* Not e'er such thought in heart as that, I ween, 
' Has he himself: and none of You^ forsooth, 

' Needs here feast sad at heart on such account : 
^ For no ! not seemly at all is it ever a whit !" 

320 Then answered her and spake Eurymachus, 
The son of Polybus : ''0 shrewd Penelope, 
^ Icarius' daughter ! No, not fearful are we, 
' This man should marry thee : nor is it seemly : 
' But at the talk of men, and women too, 
' We feel ashamed ; lest haply some or other 
' Among the meaner sort of the Ithacans 

325 * Shall say : '' Now sure, men far too low are wooing 
" The consort of a Blemishless Tall Man, 
" For not e'en can they bend his polished Bow ; 
'' Yet some poor wandering beggarman there came, 
" Bent it with ease, and shot through all the steels !" 
' Such would the talk be ; and that to our disgrace." 

330 Thoughtful Penelope then answered him: 
'^ Eurymachus ! to be of good report 

* Throughout the land is not the meed forsooth 

' Of those who honour not, but eat up the house 



BOOK ^. 457 

' Of their Best Man : but why, why do ye such 
' Disgraces ? — And onr guest here,— he is right tall, 

* And stout lo boot, and boasts a noble race, 

335 * Son of a doughty chieftain. Come then, give him 
' The polished Bow, and let us see. For this 

* I'll say at once ; and sure 't shall come to pass ; 
' If he shall bend it, and Apollo grants him 

'His prayer thereof, I'll clothe him in fair raiment, 
' Both coat and mantle ; and a good sharp pike, 

340 ^Wherewith to keep off dogs and men, I'll give him, 
' And a two-edged sword ; and shoes beneath his feet : 
' And speed him will I forth, whithersoe'er 
^His heart and soul desires." To whom in answer 
Then spake Telemachus in prudent spirit : 
'^ As for the Bow, mother mine, to give it 
' Or to withhold it where I choose, sure no one 

345 ' Has better rigiit than I of all the Achaians, 
' Of all that here in rocky Ithaca 
' Hold lordly rank, and all in yonder isles 

* Towards horse-pasturing Elis. Not force Me 

' Against my will shall e'er a man amongst them, 
' E'en should I choose to Give this Bow and arrows, 
' Once and for all, to the si ranger for his own. 

350 ^ But to thy rooms withdraw ; tend thine own business, 
'The loom and distaff; and there bid thy ladies 
' Attack their work : with all us men shall the Bow 
' Be the concern, and most of all with me ; 
' For in this house the mastership is mine." 
Astonied, back to her room again she went; 

355 For her son's word so full of prudent spirit 

She laid to heart. Up went she unto her chamber 
With her attendant women, and there wept 



458 THE ODYSSEY. XXI. 

For her dear lord Odusseus, till at length 
Bright-eyed Athene sent down gentle Sluniber 
Upon her eyelids. Now the noble swineherd, 
He took in hand the crooked Bow and arrows, 
360 And 'gan to carry them : whereat the suitors 
All shouted out at once in the hall together ; 
And thus spake some one 'mongst the saucy youths : 
'* Now whither bear'st the crooked Bow and arrows, 

* Wretch of a swineherd ! all in wits a-wandering ? 

* Now amongst thy hogs, quickly shall those quick hounds, 

* Which yonder hast thou reared, yea, eat thee up, 
365 ' Lone, beyond help of men, if unto Us 

^Apollo and all the deathless gods be gracious !" 
Thus they : whereat the bearer laid it down 
There on the spot, in fear, because so many 
Were in the hall together shouting out. 
Anon Telemachus on the other side. 
He too thus threatened him, and cried aloud : 
3v0 *' Dad ! Take the Bow and arrows farther on ! 
' (Buxom to all not readily canst thou be !) 
' Or, younger though I be, I'll pelt with stones 

* And chase thee a-field : and I'm in strength thy better. 
' Oh, that in strength of arm I were, as much, 

' A better one than every suitor here 
^ About these halls ! then quickly to their horror, 
375 * Each one and all would T send packing off, 

' From out our house ; for that they work us mischief." 

He spake : whereat the suitors, all forthwith, 

JoUily laughed ; and to Telemachus 

Gave o'er from wrath ; then straight the swineherd took 

The Bow and quiver along the room, and went 

And put them into the hands of shrewd Odusseus. 



BOOK ^. 459 

380 Then called he aside the nurse old Eurycleia 
Unto himself and said : '' Telemachns 

* Bids thee, shrewd Eurycleia, go and shut 

* The great hall doors and make all fast and close. 

* And if withindoors any amongst you hear 
' Either the groans or heavy fall of men 

* In our apartments, let her not come forth, 
385 * No, not a step, but there keep quiet at work." 

He spake : whereat with Her the matter stayed 

Wingless : anon she closed the great hall doors 

To the pleasant rooms. Meanwhile from out the house 

Forth sprang abroad Philoetius all in silence. 

And straightway shut the high-fenced courtyard gates. 

390 Now amongst some ship-gear in the corridor 
Was lying a hempen^ cable ; and herewith 
He made the gates all fast : then in he came ; 
And went to the bench, and sat him whence he had risen, 
Eyeing the while Odusseus ; who was now 
Fingering the Bow, turning it o'er and o'er, 
Proving it here and there, lest worms perchance 

395 Had eaten into the horn in the master's absence. 
Then out spake some one, eyeing his nearest mate : 
" Sure ! a rare sort of eye for Bows has he, 

* And thievish ! sure now, some such sort of gear 
' Has he of his own at home ; or fain at least 

* Is he to make such : how the cunning vagrant 
400 * Keady at mischief turns it o'er and o'er 

* Between his hands ! " Anon then spake some other 
Among the saucy youths : '' May there befal him 

' As much good luck, as ever He '11 be able 

* To string such Bow as This ! " So spake the suitors. 

* More correctly perhaps, of Byblos. 



460 THE ODYSSEY. XXI, 

MeanwHle howe'er, Odusseus ever-ready, 

40o Soon as he had poised the mighty Bow and eyed it 
Everywhere,— as a man well-skilled in the harp 
And minstrelsy, puts on at either end 
The twisted sheep-g'ut, and with fresh new peg 
Easily tunes his harp-string, — so Odusseus, 
Without ado, soon strung the mighty Bow : 
Then in his right hand taking it, he tried 

410 The string ; anon it sung beneath his touch 
Right prettily, like unto a swallow's twitter. 
Great was the suitors' pain thereat ; and all 
Turned pale forthwith : anon Zeus showed forth signs 
"With rattling thunderclap : whereat Odusseus 
The much-enduring prince rejoiced, to think 
How graciously the son of wily Chronos 

415 Had sent him such an omen. Up he seized 

A speedy shaft which, drawn from out the quiver, 
Was lying beside his table : but all the others. 
Proof whereof soon the Achaians were to have. 
Were sleeping yet within the hollow quiver : 
Then to the Bow's mid-arch he laid the shaft. 
And 'gan to draw the string and notch upon it ; 

420 And there, down-sitting as he was, from the bench 
Aiming right straight a-head, he sent the arrow : 
And not one missed he of all the pole-axe loops 
From first to last, but clean the brass-tipped shaft 
Threaded them all and out : then turned he and spake 
Unto Telemachus : ^' Telemachus ! 
' The stranger-guest that sits within thy halls 

4:25 ' Does not put thee to shame : nor have I missed 
' The mark a whit ; nor toiled I long forsooth 
' To bend the Bow : my strength is yet unshaken ; 



BOOK ^. 461 

' Not as these taunting Wooers have twitted me. 
' Time is it Now the Achaians make howe'er 
' Their Sicpper ready while 't is lig'lit ; and then 
'Amuse themselves beside with harp and song; 
430 ' For these are the banquets' ornaments." He said, — 
And signalled with his eyebrows : whereupon 
Godlike Odusseus' son, Telemachus, 
Girt on his sharp-edged sword ; and all equipped 
In glittering arms, with spear clasped firm in hand, 
Beside his father's seat he took his stand. 



462 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 



ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND BOOK. X. 

With tlie help of Athene, Odusseus kills the suitors : after which he con- 
demns sundiy of the women-slaves to death and with them Melantheus. 

CHI: how Odusseus works the Suitors' deaths. 



Anon the prince, Odusseus ever-ready, 
Stripped him from out his rag-s ; and Bow in hand 
And quiver full of arrows, up he sprang 
On the great door-sill ; where he straight poured out 
The speedy shafts before his feet, and thus 
He addressed the suitors : " Here at length indeed 
5 ' Is This decisive contest brought to an end : 

* Now will I see howe'er, if I can hit 

* Another mark, the which has no man ever 

' Yet struck : and may Apollo grant my prayer." 
He spake ; and forthwith aimed the bitter arrow 
Eight at Antinous ; who was just then going 
To lift a beauteous, twin-eared, golden goblet ; 
10 And was now fingering it between his hands. 
Thinking to quaff the wine ; and on his mind 
Never a thought of slaughter : who indeed. 
Who with his friends at feast, would ever think 
A lone one, bold howe'er he were, would venture 
Among such odds to work him a sorry death 
And slaughterous doom ? At him howe'er Odusseus 



BOOK X. 463 

15 Aimed, and with arrow hit him in the g'ullet, 

And the point went right clean through his tender throat. 
Aslant then bowed he aside ; he fell ; and the goblet 
Tumbled from out his hand : and forth gushed thick 
The spout of human blood up through his nostrils. 
Sharp then he struck with foot and kicked away 

20 His table from him, scattering all the viands 

To the floor. And bread, and roast and all were smutched^ 
The suitors in the hall, at seeing the man 
Fallen, at once gave noisy tongue together. 
Throughout the hall, up from their seats they started, 
Affrighted, peering round on every side 
Upon the fair-built walls ; but no, no where 

25 Was there a shield, or sturdy spear, to seize. 

In wrathful words then did they chide Odusseus : 
*' With foul aim. Stranger ! bendest thou the Bow 
' At .men ; hereafter shalt thou nevermore 
' Take part in contests : utter death to thee 
' Is now full sure. For here e'en now forsooth 

* Thou hast slain a prince, of rank by far the noblest 
30 * Of youths in Ithaca : now therefore thee 

* Shall vultures here devour.'* Each man was fancying. 
And 't was their talk, how that he had killed the prince 
Not wittingly : but This, fools that they were, 

They noted not, how that the term of Death 
At length was hanging o'er them, yea, o'er all. 
Then spake to them Odusseus ever-ready, 
35 Eyeing them grimly : '^ ye dogs !— not reckoning 
' Were ye that I should e'er come back again 

* Home from the land of Trojans, wherefore here 

* My house ye wasted, and by force ye ravished 
' My women-slaves, and underhand ye wooed 



464 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

' My wife, myself yet living ; and ye feared 

' Neither the gods who -dwell in the vasty heaven, 

40 ' Nor did ye count on any avenging wrath 

' At the hands of men. Now, Now is hanging o'er you, 
' Yea, o'er you all, the term of utter Death." 
He spake : whereat up-stole upon them all 
Pale Fear ; and each peered eagerly about, 
Whereby to escape the sure o'erhanging Death. 
Eurymachus alone then answered him : 

4.5 '* Now if indeed Odusseus art thou come 

' Of Ithaca, thou hast spoken here right justly 
^ Of all the Achaians' deeds of impious folly, — 
' Of many a wrong in house and many in field. 
^ But here lies He, who was to blame for all, 
' Antinous : for 't was He, -he brought to pass 

* All these ill deeds,— not that so much he needed 
50 ' Or craved this marriage, but that he was thinking 

' On other ends, which Zeus has not vouchsafed him, — 
' E'en for himself to be the sovereign king 
' Throughout the land of fair-built Ithaca, 
' And to set ambush for thy son and kill him, 
' Slain howe'er now is He, his due reward. 
' But thou, spare thou us, spare thine own people ! 
55 ' And we throughout the land will make thee amends 
'Hereafter, for all waste of meat and drink 

* Here in thy halls ; and each and every of us 
'Will bring thee a fee, the worth of twenty beeves; 
' Brass too and gold we '11 give in recompence, 

' Until thy very heart be cheered : ere that 
' Thy wrathful mood is no-wise blameable." 
60 Straight answered him Odusseus ever-ready. 
Eyeing him grimly : '' No ! Eurymachus ! 



BOOK X. 465 

' Not if in recompence ye were to give me 

* Your whole inheritances, even all 

' Ye now possess, and were to add yet more 
'From elsewhere, I'll nathless no longer keep 

* These hands of mine from slaughter, till the suitors 
65 ' Have paid for all their wanton outrages ! 

' With you lies now the choice, or face to face 
' To fight, or flee, would any among ye shun 

* Death and a violent Doom : but sure, methinks, 
' Not one shall make escape from utter ruin." 
He spake : but they, their very heart and knees 

On the spot were all unnerved. Then thus outspake 
70 Eurymachus again a second time : 

** Look ye, friends ; for not will this man stay 
' His vehement hands ; but since yon*quiver has he 

* And polished Bow in grasp, he '11 shoot at us 
' From the tooled threshold, till he slay us all. 

' Bethink we then of battle ; out with your swords ! 
' And 'gainst his deadly shafts— up with the tables ! 
75 ' And make we all a close attack upon him ! 

' If haply from the door-sill may we thrust him, 

* And forth the gates : then hie we through the Town, 
' And with all speed be raised the shout for battle : 

* And so this Bowman here shall soon have shot 

' Now for his last." Forthwith as thus he spake, 
80 He drew his brazen sword, two-edged and sharp, 
And with a dreadful war-shout leaped towards him. 
At the same time howe'er the prince Odusseus 
Sent forth an arrow and hit him on the breast 
Beside the nipple, and fixed the nimble shaft 
Deep in his liver : from his hand forthwith 
He dropped the sword to the earth, and spinning round 

30 



466 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

85 Pitched down right o'er his table, spilt the viands 
And twin-cupped goblet on the floor ; and there 
Distressed in spirit, he 'gan to beat the ground 
E'en with his forehead, till with both feet kicking 
He upset a stately throne, and o'er his eyes 
Was poured the Grloomy mist. Meanwhile in haste, 
Drawn sword in hand, straight at renowned Odusseus 

90 Amphinomus rushed on, in hope the king 

Would somehow shrink before him from the doors : 
Telemachus howe'er, beforehand with him. 
Quick smote him from behind with brass-tipped spear, 
And pierced him 'twixt the shoulders through his chest ; 
Whereat down-falling with a heavy thump 
Headlong he smote the ground with all his forehead.* 
95 Away then sprang Telemachus, and there 
Left in Amphinomus the lengthy spear : 
For much he feared lest, should he attempt to draw 
His lengthy spear again, some of the Achaians 
Might rush with sword in hand and drive him off. 
Or smite him with the edge. So away he sped. 
And with quick step was soon beside his father, 

100 And stood and spake these winged words : " father ! 
' Now, now I'll fetch thee a shield and two good spears 
' And brazen helmet, fitting to thy temples ; 
' I'll go too and gird myself, and give beside 
' Both to the swineherd and that trusty cowherd : 
' For to be armed is better." Straight then answered 

105 Odusseus ever-ready : " Kun and fetch them, 

* While yet I've arrows wherewithal to guard me, 

' Lest they dislodge me, me being all alone, 

' And drive me from the doors." He spake ; whereat 

* See B. xviii. 155. 



BOOK X. 467 

Telemachus at once obeyed his father : 
Away he went to the chamber, where in store 
Was lying his gallant armour : thence he chose 

110 Four shields, eight spears, four brazen-harnessed caps 
Plumed thick with horsehair ; wherewithal he came, 
And with right speedy step soon reached his father. 
Then donned he about his limbs the brazen harness 
Himself the foremost ; and anon the serfs 
Both likewise donned their goodly arms, and stood 

115 About their ready-witted doughty Odusseus ; 

While He, so long as had he shafts to guard him, 
Kept ever taking aim, and ever hitting. 
One at each aim, the suitors in his palace ; 
And thick in heaps they tumbled : when howe'er 
Shafts failed the king for further archery, 

120 He set the Bow, up 'gainst the bright front wall. 
Beside the pillar of the stately apartment : 
Then put he about his shoulders a stout shield, 
Oxhide, fourfold ; and on his mighty head 
A fair-wrought, horse-tailed, dog-skin cap he set. 
The crest whereof a-top kept nodding grimly ; 

125 And two brass-headed, sturdy spears he grasped. 
Now a certain outlet in the strong-built wall, 
A postern gate, there was ; at the outmost entrance 
Of the stately hall, with passage into an alley ; 
And folding doors close-fitting, made it fast. 
Charge now Odusseus gave the noble swineherd 
To take his stand hard by it, and guard this pass : 

130 Approach it had but one. Anon spake thus 
Prince Agelaos, and said to all his comrades ; 
" friends ! now is there none will make his way 
* Up by that postern gate, and tell the people ? 



468 



THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 



' And with all speed be raised the shout for battle ? 
^ And so this Bowman here shall soon have shot 
' Now for his last ! " Straight answered him Melantheus 
135 The herdsman of the goats : '^Prince Agelaos, 

* T is nowise possible : so terribly near 

* Is the hall's fair door to the alley's narrow passage. 
' E'en one man only, were he stout, may keep us 

' All thence at bay. But come, I'll fetch you arms 

* From out the store-room, wherewithal to equip ye : 
140 ' For 'tis therein, methinks, and nowhere else 

' Odusseus and his glorious son together 

' Have stowed away the weapons." Saying thus, 

Up-climbed Melantheus, herdsman of the goats, 

Along some narrow vent-holes of the hall 

To the store-room of Odusseus, whence he took 

Twelve shields, as many brazen-harnessed bonnets 

145 Thick-plumed with horsehair, and as many spears : 
And with them all in haste he came his way. 
And gave to the suitors. Then Odusseus' knees 
And very heart were all indeed unstrung. 
At seeing them donning arms and brandishing 
Long spears in hand : and Gy^eat began to seem 
The Work before him. To Telemachus 

150 Anon then spake he thus in winged words : 
*^ Sure now, Telemachus, against us two, 

* Is some one in the apartments of the women 

* Stirs up this troublous fight, or 'tis Melantheus." 
In prudent spirit Telemachus then answered : 

" father ! I myself have here done wrong ; 
155 ' None other is to blame : 't was I pushed back, 
^ And so left open, the store-room door behind me : 
^ And rather good their watcher ! But, Eumseus ! 



BOOK X. 469 

' Go, hie thee and close the store-room door ; and note 

* Who does this, whether any among* the women, 
' Or, as I think 't is, Dolius' son, Melantheus." 

] 60 On this wise as together they were talking. 

To the store-room yet again to fetch good armour 
Forth went Melantheus, herdsman of the goats : 
The noble swineherd marked him ; and forthwith 
Spake thus to Odusseus, who was close at hand : 
" Jove-sprung Laertiades, my lord, 

* Odusseus ever-ready ! and yonder now 

165 ' Again that hideous man, e'en whom we thought, 
^ Goes to the store-room : thou then, tell me at once, 
' Say whether shall I kill him, if at least 
' The stronger might I prove ; or whether bring him 
' Hither to thee, to pay for the wanton violence 
' This man so oft has wrought within thy palace." 

170 Then answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 
^' I and Telemachus will entertain 

* These gallant suitors, vehement howsoe'er, 

' And keep them in the hall : but hie ye both, 
' And pitch him into the store-room ; and there truss him, 
' Aye, legs and arms ; and close the doors behind ye : 
17o ^ Then tie there-up a well- twined rope's two ends, 

* And sling him high along the lofty pillar, 

* Close to the beams, that he may linger there 
' In painsome trouble, living yet awhile." 

He spake ; and they to his word gave ready ear. 
And straight obeyed : to the store-room hied they away, 
And 'scaped the ken of him within. For He, 
180 He was in seareh for arms in the store-room closet : 
They then at either door-post took their stand. 
Awaiting him. And just as master goatherd 



470 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

Melantheus was with foot upon the threshold, 

Bearing a goodly helmet in the one hand, 

And a broad ancient shield in the other, — mouldy, 

185 Which lord Laertes in his youth had worn ; 
Long time indeed it now had lain ; and loosed 
Were all the stitches of its leathern straps ; — 
On him then rushed they both, and seized, and dragged him 
In by his hair ; and pitched him, sore at heart, 
Down on the floor. Foot then and hand together 
They twisted back right well, and throughly trussed him, 

190 Fast with a bond that galled him to the heart, 
E'en as Laertes' son, the patient prince, 
Odusseus bade them. Up then tied they there 
A strong-twined rope's two ends, and slung him high, 
Along the lofty pillar, close to the beams. 
Him then didst thou, Eumseus master swineherd, 
In mockery thus bespeak : '^ Now then indeed, 

195 ' Eight sure, Melantheus, wilt thou watch all night, 

* Lying in a soft bed, as it well befits thee ! 

' Nor will the coming of the Dawn-sprung Eos, 

' The gold-enthroned, from forth the streams of Ocean, 

^ Escape thy notice, when thou'lt bring the goats 

* To the suitors at the palace, wherewithal 

' To get their banquet ready ! " Thus left there 
200 Was He, strung up in deadly bond and painsome. 
The two then donned the harness, and put to 
The splendid door, and came to doughty Odusseus, 
Their ready-witted lord : there breathing rage. 
At it they stood ; these at the door-sill, four ; 
And those in the hall fall many a one and stout. 
205 Unto them now drew near Jove's daughter Pallas, 
In Mentor's likeness both in speech and fashion. 



BOOK X. 471 

And spying her, Odusseus was full glad, 

And spake this word : '^0 Mentor ! Help ! now help me 

* Against this Ruin : thy trusty friend forget not, 

* And the good turns I've done thee many a time ; 

* And how of the self-same age art thou with me." 
210 So spake he; with an inkling 'twas Athene, 

Safeguard of hosts. Meanwhile, on the other side, 
The suitors in the hall at once together 
Shouted aloud. And foremost, Agelaus, 
Son of Damastor, thus upbraided her : 
" Mentor ! Let not Odusseus wheedle thee, 
' To give him help and fight against us suitors ! 
215 * For shouldst thou so, this thought of ours, I ween, 
' Shall surely come to pass : whene'er we've slain 
'These, both the son and father, then slain also 

* Shalt thou be with them, for thy bent of mischief 
' Here in the halls ; and thou with thine own head 

' Shalt pay the price. Moreover, when with sword 
' We 've reft your bodily powers, we '11 take thy chattels, 
220 ' Whate'er thou hast, whether in house or field, 
' And deal therewith, as with Odusseus' chattels : 
' Nor e'er a son of thine within thy halls 
' "Will we let live, nor yet will we thy daughters ; 
' Nor yet thy tender wife to gad about 

* In the Town of Ithaca." He spake : whereat 
Athene more and more waxed wroth at heart. 

225 And thus in words of wrath she chid Odusseus : 
" In thee no longer is there now, Odusseus, 

* That stedfast might, nor any manner of spirit, 

' Such as wherewith, nine years against the Trojans, 
' Ever, unceasing didst thou fight for the sake 
' Of white-armed, high-born Helen ! Many a man 



472 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

* Then didst thou slay in the terrible battle-strife ; 
230 ' And won was Priam's broad-wayed Town by Thy— 

'Thy counsel. How then here, when to thine own, 

* Thy home and all, thou art come, why pitiful 

* Art whining now, at having to be bold 

' Against the suitors ? But my Pet, come hither, 

* Stand at my side, and see my Work, and witness 
' What manner of help to thee midst enemies 

235 ' Mentor Alkimid^s is here to give, 

' And to repay good turns." She spake : not yet 
Quite howe'er did she give the wavering victory ; 
But yet awhile kept trying the might and courage 
Of both Odusseus and his glorious son. 
Then openly before them up she sprang. 
Upon the smoky vent-hole beam of the hall, 

240 And perched aloft in the likeness of a swallow. — 
Urging the suitors now was Agelaus, 
Damastor's son, with Demoptolemos, 
And lord Peisander Polyctorides, 
Amphimedon, and doughty Polybus, 
And prince Eurynomus ; for far the noblest 
Were these of the Wooers, all that yet were living 

245 And fighting for their lives : the Bow already 
And frequent shafts had laid low all the rest. 
r So thus to his comrades all spake Agelaus, 
And said : " friends, now sure this man will stay 
' His untouched hands : gone too is now his Mentor, 
'With all his empty vaporing; and alone 
' At the front gates are these four left : then hurl not 

250 ' Together all at once your lengthy spears : 
' But come, six of ye first let fly ; and haply 
' May Zeus vouchsafe Odusseus to be slain, 



BOOK X. 473 

' And us to win the glory. As for the others, 
' No trouble should we need, were He but fallen." 

266 He spake ; whereat they hurled, with eager aim, 
All as he bade : but fruitless all and idle 
Athene made them. One of the spearmen smote 
The pillar of the stately hall : another. 
The close-joined door-plank ; and the brass-tipped ash 
Of other some fell 'gainst the panelled wall. 

260 Now soon as e'er they 'scaped the suitors' lances. 
Foremost spake thus the patient prince Odusseus : 
" friends ! now I, will I to Our side say, 
' Fling at that crowd of suitors, who are so fain 
' To heap yet more on all their former mischief 
' By slaughtering Us outright." He spake : and they, 

2Q6 Aiming right straight, all hurled their sharp spears at them : 
Odusseus killed prince Demoptolemos : 
Telemachus— Euryades : the swineherd 
Killed Elatos : and the herdsman of the cows. 
He slew Peisander : thus then these, past telling, 
All bit the dust together. Anon the suitors 

270 Drew back to the inmost corner of the hall : 
Whereat then straight the others made a dash. 
And drew^ their spears from out the dead. Now again 
The Wooers with eager aim let fly their lances. 
Whereof Athene made the more part fruitless : 
One of them smote the pillar of the hall ; 

275 Another shot the close-joined planks of the door ; 
Some other's brazen-headed ashen shaft 
Fell 'gainst the wall. Amphimedon howe'er 
Wounded Telemachus on the wrist, just grazing; 
And the brass point hurt but the outer skin. 
Ctesippos also with his lengthy spear 



474 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

Over Enmseus' buckler scratched his shoulder; 

280 And o'er him flew the lance and fell to the ground. 
And now again did those with doughty Odusseus, 
The ready-witted, hurl their sharp spears forth, 
Into the crowd of suitors : then Odusseus, 
The City-waster, smote Eurydamas : 
Telemachus — Amphimedon : the swineherd — 

28o Polybus : and the herdsman of the cows, 

He smote Ctesippos on the breast ; then o'er him, 

Glorying thus he spake : '^ So fond of mocking! 

' Poluthersides, no, nevermore 

' Follow thy witless bent of talking big ! 

' But to the gods at once give up the matter ; 

* For they 're by far the stronger ! This howe'er, 
290 ^ This is in quittance for thy shank of beef, 

* The guest-pledge, that thou gavest once on a time 
^ To prince Odusseus, begging at his palace 1 " 

So spake the herdsman of the ring-horned beeves : 
Anon Odusseus with his lengthy lance 
Hand to hand wounded Damastorides : 
Telemachus meanwhile with spear sore wounded 

295 Leiocritus, Evenor's son, in the belly. 

Right in the midst, and drave the brass clean through 
Headlong he tumbled down, and smote the ground 
With his full forehead. Then, then forth to view 
Athene held her Mortal- withering ^gis 
From the roof on high ; and scared the suitors' wits. 
About the hall then flee did They thereat 

300 All in affright, as 'twere a herd of cows, 

Which nimble gadfly attacks and drives about, 

In early summer when the days are long. 

But the others ; as when stooping from the mountains 



BOOK X. 475 

Hook-beaked gyr-falcons with their crooked talons 
Eush on the feathered quarry : they on the plain 
In clouds fly fluttering, cowering' ; but the falcons 

305 Leap on and kill them ; and defence none have they, 
Nor way of escape : and in the sport of catching 
Men also take delight ; e'en so did They, 
This way and that, rush on about the hall 
And smite the suitors ; and from them did rise 
Unseemly groans, from many a wounded head ; 
And boiling was the pavement all with blood. 

310 Anon Leiodes flew to Odusseus' knees 

And clasping them spake thus in winged words, 
Beseeching him : " I clasp thy knees, Odusseus, 

* And Thou, respect thou Me, and pity Me ! 
' For I declare, never by word or deed 

' In any sort have I presumed to insult 
' A woman in thy halls : but aye used rather 
315 * To stop the suitors, whensoe'er they thought 

* To do such things. To me howe'er they gave 

* No heed to keep their hands from mischief: therefore, 

* E'en through presumptuous folly have they met 
' A doom unseemly. But their Priest am I, 

'And have done nought, that / be laid amongst them: 
' No thankful turn for services were this." 
320 Whereat then, eyeing him grimly, thus replied 
Odusseus ever-ready: '' If now indeed 
' Dost boast thyself to be the Priest among them, 

* Oft in my halls, I ween, must thou have prayed, 

* That far from me might be the accomplishment 
' Of my sweet home-return ; and that my consort 

* Might follow thee, and be thy children's mother : 
325 ' Wherefore thou may'st not think to escape the bed, 



476 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

' The ruthless bed, of Death." As thus he spake, 
With sturdy hand he seized a sword lying near, 
Which unto the ground let fall had Agelaus, 
When he was killed : herewith he smote the Priest, 
Eight in mid neck ; and mingled with the^dust, 
E'en while he yet gave utterance, was his "head. 

330 The Bard howe'er, he who was wont to sing, 
But by constraint, before the suitors, Phemius 
Terpiades, escaped the Gloomy Doom : 
And with his brisk-toned harp in hand he stood 
Hard by the postern door ; and in two minds 
Was pondering, whether might he quit the hall, 
And go to the household altar of mighty Zeus 

335 In the court-yard and sit thereby ; whereon 
Laertes and Odusseus erst were wont 
To burn full many a goodly bullock's thighbone ; 
Or whether should he haste to Odusseus' knees 
And pray him. Thus howe'er on further thoughts 
To him it seemed the best, at once to clasp 
The knees of Laertiades Odusseus. 

340 Down on the floor then, 'twixt the mixing bowl 
And a silver-studded stately chair, he laid 
The shapely harp, then sprang and clasped Odusseus 
By his knees, and prayed him thus in winged words 
"Thy knees I clasp, Odusseus; and thou, 

* Eespect thou me, and have thou pity upon me ! 
345 * To thine own self 't were surely grief hereafter, 

' Wert thou to kill, in me, the tuneful Minstrel, 

* Who sing to gods and men ! And I'm self-taught : 
' And planted has the god all manner of lays 

' Within my soul ; and bound am I to sing 
' 'Fore thee, as 'fore a god : then be not fain 



BOOK X, 477 

' To cut my throat. And this' thine own dear son 
350 ' Telemachiis can tell thee, how that I 

^ Did nowise willingly, nor craving aught, 

* Frequent thy house to sing before the suitors 

' Amid their feasts : but mightier far and many, 

* Perforce they used to bring me." Spake he thus. 
His sacred mightiness Telemachus 

355 Heard him, and unto his father close at hand 

Forthwith spake out : " Hold, Hold ! and with thy sword 
^ In nowise hurt this guiltless one : and the herald, 

* Medon, we'll save alive ; (for in our palace 

* His wont was ever to be concerned for me 

* Throughout my boy-hood years ;) unless already 
' Philoetius or the swineherd haply has killed him ; 

360 ' Or thee he has chanced to meet in thy fierce rage 

* About the hall." He spake : and the herald Medon, 
Skilled in wise counsels, heard him ; for through fright 
Close crouching down was he beneath a throne. 

And, to shun Gloomy Death, had put about him 
A new-flayed ox-hide. From the throne up quick, 
He sprang and doffed his ox-hide with all haste; 

365 Then leapt he towards Telemachus, and clasped 

His knees, and thus in winged words besought him : 
*' Dear prince, here, here am I : and thou, stay thee ! 
' And tell thy sire ; lest in his whelming might 
' He do me a mischief with his keen-edged sword, 
' In wrath because of the suitors ; who kept ever 
' Clipping his household stuff, and paying thee 

370 ' No manner of honour, witless that they were." 
Then with a smile Odusseus ever-ready 
Addressed him thus : '* Cheer up ! since this man here 
' Has rescued thee and saved ; that in thy heart 



478 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

' Thou mayst take note, and tell e'en unto other, 
' How that far better Well-doing is than evil. 
375 * But g'o ye from the hall, into the court 

' From out this slaug'hter, and there sit ye abroad, 

* Both thou and the tuneful Bard, while here shall I 

* In the house be busied, e'en as needs I must." 

He spake : and forth moved they, and left the hall ; 
And unto the altar of mighty Zeus went straight 
To sit them down, yet peering all about 

380 In affright, expecting slaughter. And Odusseus 
Peered also about his hall to see, if still 
Were any of all those men alive and lurking, 
'Scaping Black Doom. But them, e'en each and all, 
In dust and blood he saw lying low, in shoals, 
Like fishes, which from out the surfy sea 

385 Fishermen with their meshy net have drawn 

Forth on the hollow shore ; and thrown on the sands 
They 're all heaped up, and miss the salt sea wave : 
Them of their life howe'er the beaming Sun 
Quickly bereaves. E'en so here lay the suitors, 
Heaped one o'er other. To Telemachus 

390 Then at length spake Odusseus ever-ready : 
*' Now then Telemachus, go call me quick 
' Nurse Eurycleia ; for in mind have I 

* A somewhat I would tell her." Spake he thus : 
Straight then Telemachus obeyed his father : 
Anon at the door he knocked, and thus addressed 

395 Nurse Eurycleia : '' Hither now stir thee quick, 
' Thou ancient dame, o'erlooker of our women 
' About the palace ; come ! my father calls thee, 
' That he may tell thee somewhat." Spake he thus ; 
And to her wingless came the word and stayed. 



BOOK X. 479 

The doors then oped she of the pleasant rooms, 

400 And came her way : Telemachus howe'er 
Kept leading still before : then did she find 
Odusseus all defiled with blood and dust, 
Midst the dead bodies of the slain ; like a lion, 
Just come from the eating of an ox in the field, 
When all his breast and jaws on either side 

405 Are bloody ; and he is dread in face to look at : 
So was Odusseus blood-stained, feet and hands 
All o'er. Now she, as soon as e'er she looked 
On the dead bodies and the blood immense, 
Was fain at once to cry aloud for joy, 
For that she looked upon a Mighty Work. 
But, howso fain she was, Odusseus checked 

410 And kept her in : and thus in winged words 
Accosted her and said : *' At heart, old lady, 

* Rejoice; be still; and raise no cry of joy: 
' It is forbidden, to glory over the slain. 

' By the gods' Destiny subdued are these 
' And by their own abominable doings : 
' For unto no man on the face of earth 
415 ' E'er did they pay respect ; neither to mean 
' Or noble that might chance to visit them : 
' Wherefore a Doom unseemly have they met, 
' E'en through blind folly. But now come, do thou 

* Give me the tale of the women in the palace ; 

' And which dishonour me and which are guiltless." 
Then answered him the nurse dear Eurycleia : 
420 " Yea, and a true account, my child, I'll tell thee : 
' Women-slaves in the palace hast thou fifty; 

* These have we taught in sundry handiworks, 
' And to card wool, and bear with drudgery. 



480 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

' Of these no less than twelve have trod the way .■ 
' Of Shamelessness ; nor honoured have they me, 

425 * Nor e'en Penelope herself. And lately 
' Telenaachus was but a growing youth, 
' Nor did his mother think to allow him rule 
' Over the women-slaves. But come, I'll up, 
' Up to the splendid rooms and tell thy consort, 
' On whom some god has sent down gentle sleep." 

430 Straight answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 

" Not yet wake Her : but thou, go bid come hither 

* Those women, those who foremost here contrived 

' Unseemly deeds." He spake : and straight the old lad v 
Stepped through the hall and out, to tell her message 
Unto the women, and to bid them come. 
435 Then called He unto himself Telemachus, 

The swineherd and the cowherd, and straight spake 
These winged words : " Begin now at once the carrying, 

* And bid the women also, these dead bodies ; 

* With water then and porous sponges cleanse ye 

^ Those comely thrones and tables. And thereafter, 
440 ' When all the house ye have set in order fair, 

' Forth from the stately palace lead those damsels; 
' And yonder, 'twixt the courtyard's faultless wall 
' And the round scullery, smite with edge of sword ; 

* Till of their lives ve have clean bereft them all : 

* And clean have they forgotten Aphrodite, 

445 ' Their stolen loves, and commerce with the suitors." 
He spake : and soon came, huddling all together. 
Those women, wailing piteously, and shedding 
The big, warm tear. Now first they carried forth 
The bodies of the dead ; and, one 'gainst other 
Crowding, they laid them down in the corridor 



BOOK X., 481 

Of the strong-walled court : and He himself, Odusseus, 

450 Meanwhile kept urging on and giving signals ; 
And they, yea e'en perforce, did carry forth. 
With water then forthwith and porous sponges 
They cleansed the tables and the thrones all comely. 
Anon with shovels prince Telemachus, 
The cowherd and the swineherd, scraped and smoothed 

455 The pavement of the fair and strong-built hall : 
And they — those damsels— all the while did carry, 
And put it out of doors. And when at length 
The whole room had they throughly set in order. 
From forth the stately hall they led the damsels, 
And cooped them in a strait, whence no escape 
Any way was there, 'twixt the round-built scullery 

460 And the court's faultless wall. Then thus began 
Telemachus in prudent spirit, and said : 
" Now not indeed by an honourable death 
' Will I bereave these women of their lives, 
' For that upon my head they've poured reproaches 
* And on our mother ; and their wont of nights 
' Was in the suitors' arms." He spake ; and up 

465 On lofty pillar fa^t he made a cable 

Of a dark-prowed ship, and threw it round the scullery, 
And stretched it up on high, that with her feet 
Not one might reach the ground. And as, when doves,, 
Taking themselves to roost, or long-winged thrushes, 
Fall into a gin, which stood set up in shrubbery, 

470 And a hateful perch receives them so to roost ; 

So, with their heads in a row were now these women, 
And nooses were there round the necks of all. 
That they should die most pitiably. And a little, 
But very little with their legs they struggled, 

31' 



482 THE ODYSSEY. XXII. 

\\\ 

.i;| Not'at all long. Then forth they brought Melantheus, 

Through porch and courtyard, and with ruthless knife 
I 475 Cut off his nose and ears ; and plucked away 

i ' His manhood, a raw feast for dogs ; and lopped, 

Kaging with anger, both his hands and feet. 
Clean then they washed themselves, their hands and feet, 
And indoors went to Odusseus : and the Work 
Was brought to an end. Anon yet spake the chief 
480 To the nurse dear Eurycleia : '' Fetch me brimstone, 

* Sweet'ner of taints, and fetch me fire, Old woman ! 

* That I may fumigate the hall : and thou, 

* Go bid Penelope at once come hither, 

* With her attendant ladies : bid come also 

' All of the womenslaves about the palace." 
485 Straight then replied the nurse dear Eurycleia : 

*^Yea now indeed, my child, thou hast spoken fitly: 
' But come, I'll fetch thee clothes, a coat and mantle : 
' And stand not thus in the hall with thy broad shoulders 
' Covered with rags : 'twere fit to make one wroth." 
Then answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
490 '' Fire, first and foremost, let me have in the hall !" 
He spake ; and not unready to his bidding 
Was the dear nurse old Eurycleia ; and straight 
She fetched him fire and brimstone : and Odusseus 
Right throughly fumigated everywhere 
The common hall, men's room, and all the court. 
495 Straight then along Odusseus' beauteous palace 

Up went the old dame with message to the women, 
And with all speed to bid them come : and they 
From their apartments came with torch in hand. 
And now they circled round and hailed Odusseus, 
And seized his hands and kindly welcomed him, 



BOOK X. 483 

And kissed his head and shoulders : and on Him 
500 A tender yearning after tears and sighs 

Gat sudden hold ; for now indeed he knew, 
He felt at heart, these women all were true. 



484 THE ODYSSEY. XXIII 



ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-THIED BOOK- W. 

Odusseus succeeds at last, though with some difficulty, in convincing Pene- 
lope of his being her husband. He recapitulates to her his various 
adventures ; and next morning, at daybreak. He, Telemachus and the two 
herdsmen, all leave the palace together and go into the country. 

PSI : how Penelope at length believes j 
And recognizes her dear lord, Odusseus, 



Anon up went the old woman, cackling* loud, 
To the upper rooms, to tell her news to the mistress 
How her dear lord was home ; and lustily 
Her knees moved, and her feet with passing swiftness. 
Soon at her mistress' head she stood, and called her : 
5 '' Awake ! Penelope, dear child ! and see, 

'With thine own eyes, e'en That thou longest for 
' Day after day ! Odusseus is returned, 
' And Home he is come, Returned however late ! 
' And slain those gallant suitors has he, yes, 
' E'en those who here were troubling all his house, 
* Wronging his son, and eating up his wealtli !" 
10 Thoughtful Penelope straight answered her : 

^^ Good mother ! sure the gods have made thee mad ! 

' As able indeed are they to make one daft, 

' Howe'er so wise before : can also bring 

' One of unbridled mind to a sound discretion : 

' And thee they sure have damaged : for thou wast 



BOOK W. 485 

* Aforetime right in wits. Why dost thou mock me, 
15 ' Me with my heart so full of sorrow, wh^^ 

' These tales beside the truth ? and why dost rouse me 
^ From out such gentle sleep, which close enwrapped 
' And fettered fast mine eyelids ? Sure such sleep 
' At no time have I slept, e'er since Odusseus 

* Went forth to visit that ill-omened— ah, — 

* That Ilion, Hateful name ! But hie thee now, 
20 * Begone ; and get thee to thy room again ! 

' For sure had any other of all my women 

' Come bringing me such tale as this, and roused me 

* Out of my sleep, I had quickly sent her packing 

* Off to her rooms again, and that to her horror : 
' Old Age shall profit Thee howe'er in this." 

25 Straight answered her the nurse dear Eurycleia : 
" I mock thee never a whit, dear child! but truly 
' Come is Odusseus, as I say, and home 
'Here in his house, e'en He, that Stranger-guest, 

* Whom they were all dishonouring in the palace ! 
' Telemachus howe'er knew long ago 

30 ' Of His being home : but of sound wit did keep 

* Hidden his father's purposes, — for taking 

* Vengeance for those o'erweening men's misdeeds." 
She spake : and the queen delighted, sprang from bed, 
And hugged the old woman, and a tear let fall ; 

And thus in winged words accosted her : 
35 '' But Ah now, dear good mother, tell me true, 
' If, as thou say'st, he is home in very truth, 
' Say then how laid he hands on the shameless wooers, 

* He all alone ; while always all together 

' Stayed they within the house." Then answered her 
The nurse dear Eurycleia : '* I saw not how, 



"^^86 THE ODYSSEY. XXIII. 

j 40 * Nor have I learnt ; but only did I hear 

' Groans of the dying in slaughter : We, we women, 

* Were sitting, terrified, in the inner room 
'Of our fair-built apartments : and fast shut 

' Were the folding-doors : until at length in the hall 
' Thy son Telemachus began to call me ; 
' For straight his father sent him on to call me. 
45 ' Then did I go and find Odusseus standing 
' Among the bodies of the slaughtered dead ; 
' And round him lying were they, one over other, 
' All clutching the hard floor : Oh, warmed wert thou 
' At heart, hadst thou but seen him, like a lion 
' Spattered with blood and dust. At the court gates 

* Now all together are they in heaps : and He, 
50 ' A great fire has he kindled, and with brimstone 

' Is fumigating all the fair apartments ; 

' And to call T/iee he sent me forth. Then come, 

* Come that ye both may set your hearts in the way 
' Of joyous cheer together ; for ye have suffered 

' Full many a trouble. Now howe'er at length, 

' This our long wish is throughly brought to pass, — 

55 ' Eeturned has Jle, alive, and unto his Hearth, 

' And finds within his halls both Thee, and his Son ; 
*And on those suitors, who so heinously 
'Were wronging him, in his own house he has taken 
' Vengeance upon them all ! " Whereat again 
Thoughtful Penelope replied : '' Good mother ! 
' Cackle not yet so loud nor boast so big ! 

60 ' Thou know'st, how welcome in his halls were the sight 
' Of Him to us all, and most of all to me, 
' And to his son, whom we brought into the world : 
' But no true word is this, this tale of thine : 



BOOK ^. 4a7 

* But some one of the Deathless gods has slain 

' The gallant Wooers, through wrath at their ill deeds 
' And heart-distressing riotousness and lust : 
f)5 ' For unto no man on the face of the earth 

* Ever did they pay honour, whether to mean 
' Or noble, that might chance to visit them : 

' And therefore, through blind folly, have they suffered 
' This mischief ; but all hope of home-return 
' Sure has Odusseus lost, far from Achaia, 

* And lost is he himself." Then answered her 
70 The nurse dear Eurycleia. '' my child, 

* What manner of word escapes thy fence of teeth ? 

* How,— when thy lord is at his own fireside, 

* Here in the house, how say'st he'll ne'er come home ? 

* And unbelieving is thy heart for ever ? 

' But come ; and yea, I'll tell thee a somewhat else, 

* A token easy to be known, — the Scar ; 

75 * Where erst a white-tusked wild boar wounded him : 
' This I washed clean, and noticed ; and at once 

* I would have told thee, but with ready thought 

* He seized me with his hands upon my jaw, 

' And stopped my telling thee. But come along; 

* And I, here as I am, I'll pledge myself, — 

* Put me to death, a death most pitiable, 

80 * If I'm beguiling thee." Then answered her 
Thoughtful Penelope : " 'T is hard, good mother, 
' For thee, all cunning howsoe'er thou art, 
' To fathom the deep counsels of the gods, 

* The overliving : but we'll go nathless 

^ Down to my son, that I may see these men, 
' Dead men, my suitors, and whoe'er 'twas killed them." 
85 So saying, down did she go from the upper chamber. 



488 THE ODYSSEY. XXIII. 

And mucli her heart kept pondering', whether aloof 

To question yet her lord, or at once to go 

And take and kiss him on his head and hands. 

And when she entered in, and overpassed 

The stone-hewn threshold, straight she went and sat her, 

Facing Odusseus, in the light of the fire, 

90 By the other wall : meanwhile with downcast look 
Sitting was He hard by the lofty pillar, 
Awaiting, whether would his excellent consort. 
At seeing him 'fore her eyes, have aught to say to him. 
Long time howe'er she sat without a sound. 
And into her heart there came astonishment. 
With all her eyesight kept she now and then 

95 Eyeing him in his face, but all as oft 

She knew him not, wearing such sorry garb. 
Anon Telemachus began to chide. 
And spake this word aloud : '* mother mine, 
' Hard mother ! with ungentle heart ! why thus 

* Dost part thee from my father ? why beside him 
' Dost thou not sit and ask and question him ? 

100 ' Sure thus indeed aloof with stubborn spirit 

' Would ne'er another wife keep from her husband, 

* Who, after suffering many a toil, were come 

* Back to his fatherland in the twentieth year 

' To her again : but stubborn more than stone 
' For ever is thy heart !" Then answered him 
105 Thoughtful Penelope : '' My child, the spirit 
' Within me is all astounded ! Neither can I 
' Speak to him e'er a word, nor ask a question, 
' Nor look him in the face : but if he is really 
' And truly Odusseus, home again,— we two 
' Right sure shall have a knowledge each of other, 



BOOK W. 489 

' And more agreeably : for there are between us 
110 'Tokens, the which, hidden from all beside, 

' We, yea we two, wot well." She spake ; whereat 

The much-enduring prince Odusseus smiled, 

And all on sudden to Telemachus 

Spake thus in winged words : ^' Telemachus, 

' Leave then alone thy mother to make proof, 

* Proof of me here in the house ; and soon methinks 
115 * She'll come to know— yea better. Now howe'er, 

* Because I'm filthy and clad in sorry garb, 

' She holds me lightly, and not yet thinks me Him. 

* And We, consult we, what may best be done ; 
' For sure indeed should any one have slain 

' But One man in the land, and not have plenty 

* Of helpers at his back, he is fain to flee, 
120 * Leaving his kin and fatherland behind : 

' But slain have We the pillar of the state, 

* These, far the noblest youths in Ithaca ; 

* Wherefore I bid thee well consider this.'* 
In prudent spirit replied Telemachus : 

" To This indeed, dear father, look thyself; 

* For thy, thy wisdom is the best they say 

125 'Throughout the world ; and ne'er another man 

' Of all death-doomed mankind might vie with Thee, 

* And we right fain will follow ; nor do I think 
' In boldness ever a whit shall I be wanting, 

' For measure of my strength at least." In answer 
To him then spake Odusseus ever-ready : 
130 *' Say then will I forsooth, as best me seems it : 

' First now at once go bathe ye and don fair raiment, 
' Bid too the household damsels 'tire themselves ; 
' Then let the godlike Bard, brisk harp in hand. 



490 THE ODYSSEY. XXIII. 

* Lead on before us for the sportive dance : 

' That all without, or travelling* on their way, 
135 * Or those who neighbour round, that hap to hear, 
' May think we hold a wedding feast ; that so 
' Not through the town may go abroad the news, 

* News of our slaughter of the suitors here, 

^ Until at least we have hied us forth, and reached 

* Our woodland yonder : and, whate'er shrewd plan 
140 ' Olympian Zeus may there put into our hands, 

' We'll then devise." He spake : whereat good heed 
They straightway gave, and forthwith did his bidding. 
So first they went and bathed, and donned their raiment; 
The women also attired themselves all ready ; 
And the godlike Bard he took his shapely harp, 
And stirred within them all a quick desire 

145 Of jocund minstrelsy and the faultless dance. 
And the great hall soon rang again with feet 
Of dancing men and comely-girdled women. 
And all who happed to hear, outside the palace. 
Began to say on this wise : ** Now of a surety 
' Married has some one here the much-wooed Queen ! 

150 ^ Cruel ! that had not heart to keep for ever 

' Her own lord's noble house, the house of him, 
' The wedded of her youth, till haply he came !" 
Such was mayhap the talk ; but wist they not. 
How stood the matter. In his Own house howe'er 
Eurynome the stewardess now washed 
The mighty-souled Odusseus, and with oil 

155 She anointed him : and cast a goodly coat 
And mantle round him : whereupon Athene 
Poured on his head much comeliness ; and made him 
More stout and tall to look at : and his hair 



BOOK "¥. 491 

She made flow down his head in crisped locks 
Ciiriingj like unto hyacinthine blossom. 
As when a rim of gold is laid on silver 

160 By some right cumiing workman, whom Hephaistos, 
The crafty Fire-king, and Athene Pallas 
Have taught all kinds of the art, whereby he achieves 
Beautiful handiworks, — so now on the chief 
Comeliness did she pour about his head 
And shoulders ; and from forth the bath he stepped 
In fashion like the Deathless ones for beauty : 

165 Then back again he straightway went and sat him 
Upon the foot-stooled throne wherefrom he had risen, 
Right o'er against his wife, and thus addressed her ; 
'' Good Lady ! sure have The^ that occupy 

* The Olympian courts given thee a heart unfeeling, 

* Past all the gentler race of womankind : 

* Sure no wife else would thus with stubborn spirit 
170 ' Keep from her husband, who through many a trouble 

* Were home to her, come at last, in the twentieth year 
' Back to his fatherland ! — But Nurse ! go make me 

* A bed where I may sleep e'en as I am, 
^ Alone : for all of iron sure is the heart 

' Within this lady's breast !" Whereat straight answered 
Thoughtful Penelope : '' Good Sir ! indeed 
'175 * I neither carry me high, nor do I slight thee 

* A whit, nor am I astonished overmuch . 

' Yet well, full well I know what manner of man 
' Thou wast erewhile at going from Ithaca 

* On board the long-oared ship. — But Eurycleia, 

' Go, furnish him a bed with well-stuffed bedding 
' Outside the state apartment, bridal chamber, 
180 * That which He made Himself. There set ye outside 



' 492 



THE ODYSSEY. XXIII. 



* A thick- strewed bedstead for him ; and upon it 

' Bedding of sheep-skins, g'lossy rugs and blankets." 
So spake she indeed to put her lord to the proof: 
Whereat Odusseus wrathful thus addressed 
His consort shrewd and duteous : " Here thou hast spoken 
' Sure, sure a heart-distressing word, woman ! 

185 ^ And who, who has put my bedstead forth elsewhere ? 
^ 'T were a hard task for one however cunning; 
^ Save w^ere a god himself to come and set it, 
' With ease if so he chose, in a room elsewhere : 
^ Of men howe'er no never a living mortal, 
' Not e'en in prime and pride of life, might easily 
' Upheave it out of the way : for a signal token 

190 ' Within that curious bedstead is contrived, 
' Which I, yes I, and never another, wrought. 
' Within the court a long-leafed olive-tree 
'There stood, full-grown, luxuriant; and thick- stemmed, 
' As 't were a pillar : circling round about it 

* Built I my marriage-chamber, which I finished 
' With close-laid stones, and roofed it well above; 

195 ^ And doors I put thereto, close-glued and fitted. 
^ Off then I lopped the poll of the long-leafed olive, 
' The trunk whereof above the root I shortened, 

* And wrought the post and smoothed it round with tool, 
' And made it straight by line ; and all about 

' I bored with gimlet. Wherefrom thus beginning, 
' My bedstead did I shape, until I achieved it, 
200 ^ And deftly decked with ivory and gold and silver ; 
' And stretched out thereupon an oxhide strap, 
' Brilliant with crimson. Thus then show I thee 
' This token : not a whit howe'er do I know, 
' Whether my bedstead yet remains^ woman, 



■ BOOK W, 493 

' Steadfast for me : or whether any man 

* Already has cut the olive-stock beneath, 

205 * And put it forth elsewhither." Spake he thus : 
But She, her very heart and knees were loosed 
At once on the spot as thus she recognized 
The tokens firm and sure Odusseus shewed her : 
Then all in tears right straight she ran, and flung 
Her arms about Odusseus' neck, and kissed him 
Upon his head, and spake to him : '^ Be not angry 

210 * With me, Odusseus ! for in every thing 

^ Far above all mankind art thou most wise : 

* But 'twas the gods gave misery to attend us, 

* For that they grudged us two the staying together 
' To enjoy our youth and reach old age's threshold. 
^ Hereat then be not angry with me now, 

* Nor take it amiss, for that when first I saw thee 
215 ^ I did not give thee at once a welcome Thus : 

' For always has my spirit at very heart 

' Shuddered, lest haply one should come with tales 

* And trick me ; for there is many a one whose thoughts 
' Are bent on mischief. Sure not Argive Helen, 

' Daughter of Zeus, had joined herself in wedlock 

* Unto another man, a foreign husband, 

220 ' Had she but known, how Achaia's warrior sons 
' Were like to come and take her back again, 
' Home to her fatherland. But sure some god 
' Stirred her to perpetrate that deed unseemly ; 
' And never afore did she take into her heart 

* That sad bewilderment, wherefrom first came 

' E'en also on Us our grief. But now, since plain 
225 ' Thou hast laid me down the tokens of our bed, 

* The which has never other mortal seen, 



494 THE ODYSSEY. XXIII. 

' But tliou and I alone, and one handmaiden, 
' Actoris only, whom my father gave me, 
* Erewhile at coming hither, and who kept 
' Charge for us of our close-barred chamber door, — 
230 * At last thou win'st my heart, how hard soe'er." 
She spake, and stirred in him yet more and more 
A yearning' after tears. And as he held 
His duteous wife, so pleasing to his heart. 
He wept aloud. As when appears the land. 
Welcome to swimming sailors, when Poseidon 
235 With swelling wave and wind has driven and shattered 

Their trimbuilt ship in the deep ; and some few swimming 
Escape ashore from out the surfy sea, 
And on their limbs the brine dries thick and crisp ; 
And, 'scaping from distress, glad they set foot 
Upon the land ; — e'en so right gladly welcome 
Was her dear lord to her sight : and her white arms 
240 No, not yet thought she from his neck to loose. 
And, unto them yet weeping, had appeared 
Rose-fingered Eos, if the Bright-eyed goddess 
Athene had not planned it otherwise : 
The Night she long detained in the West, and held 
Eos the gold-enthroned yet back in the Ocean ; 
245 Nor sufiered her to yoke her foot-swift horses, 

That bring men Daylight, Phaethon and Lampos, 
The chariot-colts of Eos. Then spake thus 
Odusseus ever-ready unto his consort : 
" woman, not yet have we reached the goal 
' Of all our toils ; but there remains behind 
250 * E'en yet a task unmeasured, hard and troublous, 
' The which I must fulfil. For so to me 
' Teiresias' ghost declared upon that daj 



BOOK W. 495 

' When down I went into the courts of Hades, 

* To seek out ways and means of home-return, 

^ Both for my comrades and myself. But come, 

* Let us to bed, wife, and e'en now together 

255 ' Take our hearts' fill of sweet Sleep's balmy gifts." 
Thoughtful Penelope straight answered him : 
" For thee, yea sure, the bed shall all be ready, 

* At thy desire, whene'er thou wilt ; since Thee 

* The gods have given to reach thy fair-built home, 
' And thine own fatherland. But, as some god 

260 ' Into thy mind has put it, and thou hast learnt, — 
' Come, tell me now this further toil of thine ; 
' For as, methinks, hereafter I shall hear, 
'Tis no-wise ill to know it straight at once." 
Then answered her Odusseus ever-ready : 
*' Good lady ! Why so urgent art thou upon me, 

265 * Why bidst me say ? Tell thee will I howe'er, 

* And will not hide it. Not indeed delighted 
' Will be thy heart ; for neither glad am I ; 

' He bade me take* a well-poised oar in hand, 
' And so go forth to many a peopled City, 
' Until I reach such men as neither know 
270 * The sea, nor eat their food with salt ; e'en such 

* As have no knowledge or of red-cheeked ships, 

' Or handy oars, those feathering wings of ships. 
' And this he told me for a right plain token, 

* (From thee I'll hide it not ;) whene'er at length 
' Some other wayfarer shall fall in with me, 

275 ' And say I'm holding up a winnowing shovel 

' Upon my bright bare shoulder ; then in the earth 

* He bade me fix my oar, and ofi'er up 

* See Book xi. 120, etc. 



496 THE ODYSSEr. XXIII. 

* Fat sacrifices unto lung Poseidon, — 

* A ram, a bull, and lusty boar; then home 

* Must I return, and offer hecatombs 

280 ' To the Deathless gods who dwell in vasty heaven, 
' E'en to them all in turn : so to myself 
' From out the sea shall come a Death so easy, 
' So passing' easy, as shall gently end me 

* Overcome by smooth old age, and all my people 
' About me shall be blest : all this he told me 

285 * Shall e'en so come to pass." Straight answered him 
Thoughtful Penelope: *^Now if indeed 

* The gods shall grant thee a full old age so brave, 

' Sure hope then hast thou of 'scaping from thy troubles." 
In suchlike talk did they converse together. — 
Under the light, meanwhile, of blazing torches 

290 Eurynome and the Nurse with bed-clothes soft 

Made the bed ready. And when with bustling haste 
They had decked the thick-strewed couch, the old womarj 

went 
Back to her room again, to her sleeping berth. 
For the king and queen, meanwhile, Eurynome, 
The woman of the chamber, torch in hand. 
Led on before them as they went to bed, — 

295 Guided them to the chamber, and withdrew ; 
And left them glad to greet the marriage-bed 
With customary rites of ancient wedlock. — 
Anon Telemachus and both the herdsmen^ 
Swineherd and cowherd, stayed their feet from dancing, 
And stayed the women : then to bed they also 
Betook themselves about the shadowy palace. — 

300 Meanwhile, the couple after sweet embracing 
Joyous together, turned them now to talk, 



BOOK W. 497 

Each to the other with their several tales. 
She first, of womankind the noblest, told, 
What troubles in the palace had she endured, * 
Looking upon that wasteful crowd of Wooers ; 
How they, for sake of her, were ever slaughtering 

305 Her beeves and sheep, full many a goodly flock ; 
And how the wine was drained from many a jar. 
Then He, the high-born prince Odusseus, told, 
How many a troublous toil he also had suffered ; 
He told her all : and She, she was delighted 
At listening unto his tale : neither did Sleep 
Fall on her eyelids till he had told the whole. 

310 And he began, first how he beat the Cicons ; 

Went thence to the rich fat land of the Lotos-eaters ; 
Then what the Cyclops did, and how upon him 
He avenged those doughty comrades, whom the monster 
Devoured, and shewed no pity : next how he went 
To JEolus, who gave him ready welcome, 

315 And sped him ; how nathless his Destiny 
Was not e'en yet to reach his fatherland ; 
But how a whirlwind caught and hurried him 
With many a groan back o'er the fishy deep : 
Next how he came to the Laestrygonians' Town 
With gates far-sundered ; where the folk destroyed 
His ships and slaughtered all their booted crews, 

320 And only Odusseus and his crew escaped 

W^ith the dusky ship : then Circe's tricks and cunning 
He next rehearsed : then how in a many-oared ship 
He went to Hades' dank and dark abode. 
There to consult the ghost of the Theban seer 
Teiresias ; and there looked on every friend ; 

325 And on his mother, who bred and brought him up : 



498 THE ODYSSEY. XXIII. 

Then how lie heard the warbling Seirens' voices ; 
And how to the Eocks, called Eovers, had he sailed, 
To the dread Charybdis and the howling Scylla, 
Wherefrom had men ne'er yet escaped unharmed : 
How too his comrades killed the Sun-god's heifers ; 

330 And how high-thundering Zeus with scorching bolt 
Smote the swift ship ; and how his gallant mates 
At once all perished utterly, but He 
Alone 'scaped violent Doom : then how he reached 
The isle Ogygia, and the Nymph Calypso, 
Who longed to have him for her lord, and stayed him 

335 Within her hollow caves, and cherished him. 

And used to say that Deathless would she make him, 

And free for evermore from waxing old ; 

Nathless e'en so, the heart within his breast 

She ne'er did win : thence how, through many a trouble, 

He came to the Phseacians, and how They 

Heartily honoured him, as were he a god, 

340 And gave him heaps of gold and brass and raiment. 
And sped him forth with ship to his fatherland. 
This was the last of all the tales he told her. 
When limb-relaxing Sleep, all sweetly calming 
The cares he had at heart, came suddenly on him. 
Meanwhile Athene, she, the Bright-eyed goddess. 
Had now this further thought ; soon as she hoped 

345 Odusseus with his consort had enjoyed 

The marriage-bed and Sleep to heart's content ; 
Straight called she forth the golden-throned Eos, 
The Dawn-sprung, up from the Ocean, to bring Light 
Unto mankind : anon then rose Odusseus 
From the soft bed, and laid this charge forthwith 

350 Upon his consort : *' Sure now indeed, woman, 



\ 



BOOK W. 499 

' We both have had our fill of toils, full plenty ; 
' Thou weeping here for my long-wished return ; 
' While me, me home-bent, Zeus and all the gods 
' Fettered and kept back from my fatherland 
' With sore distress : but now, that weVe both reached 
' Our much- loved marriage-bed, be it now thy care 
355 * To mind in the house whatever wealth I have ; 
' And for the cattle, those the saucy suitors 

* Have wasted me, plenty I'll seize myself 

* For booty, — more too shall the Achaians give me, 
' Until they have filled my every fold-yard full. 

* But to the woodland yonder I'll go now 

360 ' And see my gallant sire, who sorely mourns me. 
' And upon Thee, shrewd howsoe'er, wife, 
^ This charge I lay : at once with the rising Sun 

* Will go forth news about these men thy Wooers, 

' How in my halls I have slain them ; go thou therefore 
' Up to thy chamber with thy waiting women, 

365 ' And stay there ; neither look on any one, 

' Nor ask a word." He spake ; and 'thwart his shoulders 
Donned his fair harness, and forthwith uproused 
Cowherd and swineherd and Telemachus, 
And bade all take in hand their fighting gear. 
And not unheedful were they unto his bidding. 
But straightway put their brazen harness on ; 

370 Then oped the gates, Odusseus taking lead. 

And sallied forth. 'T was daylight now on the Earth : 
Yet from the Town quick forth, in a mist of Night, 
Athene led and hid them from all sight. 



500 THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 



ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FOUETH BOOK. f2. 

Hermes conducts the souls of the suitors down to the realms of Hades. 
Odusseus discovers himself to his father Laertes. The Ithacan nobles 
rise in arms against Odusseus, for having slain their kinsmen the suitors ; 
but Athene puts an end to the Eebellion, and establishes a Covenant 
of Peace. 

OMEGA : risings of the Suitors' friends : 
Odusseus quells them ; and in Peace all ends. 



Meanwhile, to summon forth the souls of the suitors 
Cyllenian Hermes came, holding in hand 
His beauteous golden wand ; wherewith he lays 
Men's eyes in spell-bound sleep, e'en whom he will ; 
And others, fast howe'er asleep, he awakens : 
Herewith he set the souls astir and led them : 
And they forthwith, squeaking, began to follow. 
As, in some awful cavern's inmost nook 
Bats flit about all squeaking, when from the rock, 
Whereup they clung together each on other, 
One of their string has fallen oif ; so now 
These ghosts went squeaking, gibbering forth together : 
10 And Hermes, not mis-guiding, went before them 

Down the dank ways of gloom. By the streams of Ocean 
They passed along and the white rock of Leucas ; 
And by the Sun-god's gates, and the land of Dreams 
They passed along ; and quickly down they came 



BOOK fl. 501 

To the meadow of asphodel, the abode of ghosts, 
The phantoms of the dead. And there they found 

15 Achilles' ghost, Peleides ; and Patroclus' ; 
And of the blemishless Antilochus ; 
Of Ajax too, who in comeliness and stature 
Was choicest, after blemishless Peleides, 
Of all the Danaan chiefs. Thus round about him 
Were these together ; unto them anon, 

20 Atreides Agamemnon's ghost drew near, 

In mournful mood ; round whom were gathered others, 

Of those who with him died and met their fate, 

In the palace of iEgisthus. Unto him 

Now foremost spake Peleides' ghost : " Atreides, 

' Thee did we use to think for evermore 

25 ' Dear unto thunder-loving Zeus past all 

' Our noble lords ; for that thou wast the Chief 
^ O'er many and mighty, upon the Trojans' plain, 
' Where we Achaians bore such heavy toils. 
' Destined indeed was it also chiefly on Thee 

* Should come a murderous Doom of Death, the which 

* No one that is born may shun. happy wert thou, 
30 * If, in the enjoyment of that honoured rank 

' Wherewith thou ruledst on the Trojans' plain, 

' Thou then, hadst met thy Death and mortal Doom ! 

* Then indeed had the Achaians one and all 

'Raised thee a mound; and gained hadst thou a great 

name 
' E'en to thy son hereafter : but now sure, 

* T'was destined thou shouldst fall by a death most sad." 
35 Anon Atreides' ghost thus answered him : 

'^ Achilles, fashioned like the gods, Peleides ! 
' happy thou, that diedst in the field of Troy, 



502 THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 

' Afar from Argos : others also around thee, 
' The choicest sons of Trojans and Achaians, 
' Fighting for Thee were slain : and thou, the mighty, — 
' Forgotten then thy skill in horse and chariot, — 
40 ^ Wast outspread bravely lying in a whirl of dust. 

' And we, that whole day forth, we kept still fighting ; 

* And sure we ne'er had stayed us then from the battle, 

* But that with hurricane and clouds of darkness 

' Zeus brought us to a stay. When Thee we had carried 
' From out the battle down to the ships, we cleansed 

* Thy comely body, and washed thee with warm water 
45 ' And balmed with oil, and laid thee upon a bier : 

' Then round about thee did the Danaans shed 

' Hot tears full many, and clipped their flowing hair. 

* Thy mother also, when she heard the tidings, 

* Came with her deathless sea-nymphs out from the sea ; 
' And on the Deep was raised an awful cry, 

* And sudden trembling seized on all the Achaians : 
50 ' And sure then had they in haste all gone on board 

' Their hollow ships, but that a Man, well-skilled 
' In ancient lore and various, held them back ; 
^ 'T was Nestor, he whose counsel, as aforetime, 

* Ever appeared the best : who with kind thought 

* Harangued them thus and said : *'Stop ! stop, ye Argives, 
'* Sons of Achaians ! flee ye not away ! 

^D " This is his mother, coming from out the sea, 
*' Together with her deathless sea-nymphs, coming 
"To the aid of her dead son!" He spake; whereat 
'The mighty-souled Achaians stayed from flight. 
' Soon then about thee stood, all sadly wailing, 
' The Daughters of the Ancient of the Sea ; 
' And on thy corse they put ambrosial raiment : 



_J 



BOOK fl, 503 

60 * And all the Muses nine, in turns together 

' With comely voice, did sing a mournful dirge ! 

* There forsooth tear-less not one hadst thou seen 

' Of the Argive host ; such thrilling power to move 

* There was in the clear- voiced Muse. Then mourning thee 
' For seventeen days, as well by day as by night, 

' We wailed, both death-doomed men and deathless gods ; 

65 ' And gave thee to the fire on the eighteenth day, 
' And slaughtered round about thee many a sheep, 
' Right fat, and ring-horned beeves. And burned in rai- 
ment 
' Wast thou of the gods, and balmed in many an oil 
' And in sweet honey : and round thy funeral pyre, 
' Whilst thou wast burning, sped all clad in harness 
' Achaians, many a chief, both foot and horse, 

70 ' Mid shouts and mighty din. And when at length 

* Hephaistos' blaze had made an end of thee, 

' Next morn we laid thy whitened bones, Achilles, 
' In unmixed wine and unguent ; for the which 
' Thy mother gave a twin-eared golden urn, 
' A gift, she said, from Bacchus Dionysos, 
75 * And handiwork of the Fire-king, famed Hephaistos : 

* Therein thy whitened bones, glorious Achilles, 

* Are kept laid up ; and thy dead friend's amongst them, 
'. Those of Patroclus Menoitiades : 

* And the ashes of Antilochus, apart ; 

* Whom 't was thy wont to esteem past all thy friends 
' After the dead Patroclus. Then a mound 

80 ' Mighty and blemishless, on the jutting strand 
' By the broad Hellespont, we, a glorious host 
' Of Argive warriors, heaped around those ashes, 

* A mound that might be seen afar by men 



504 



THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 



85 



90 



95 



100 



105 



Fron) out the deep, by such as now are living, 
And as shall be hereafter. And thy mother 
Begged the gods' leave, and put forth beauteous prizes 
In mid assembly of all the Achaian princes, 
Prizes of contest. Witnessed have I already 
The funeral — yes— of many a warrior chief. 
Such as perchance at the death of a royal prince. 
Whereat youths gird them up, and make them ready 
For contest in the games : but all astonied 
In heart thou sure hadst been, at the sight of Those ; 
Such passing beauteous prizes did the goddess, 
Thetis, the silver-footed, there put down 
For sake of thee : so dear wast thou to the gods. 
Thus Thou not e'en in death hast lost thy fame ; 
But throughout all the world, Achilles, ever 
Glorious will Thy name be : but I, — what pleasure — 
What here have I, since winding up the war ? 
't was a wretched death at my return 
That Zeus contrived me under ^Egisthus' hands,''^ 
And under the hands of that pernicious consort ! " — 
In suchlike talk conversed they each with other. 
Towards them now the Guide, the Argus-killer, 
Came leading down the souls of all the Wooers, 
Slain by Odusseus : the two, amazed thereat. 
Moved forward straight, as soon as they beheld them. 
Anon Atreides Agamemnon's ghost 
At sight knew far-renowned Amphimedon, 
Melantheus' son ; who had dwelt in Ithaca, 
And was on a time his host. To whom now spake 
Foremost the soul of Atreus' son, and said : 
" Amphimedon ! what ailed ye, that ye have come 

* See B. xi. 408, etc. 



BOOK /2. 505 

Down to the gloomy land, all You, picked out> 
E'en of one age ? Now sure throughout a City 
Might none else choose and pick such choicest men ! 
Was 't that Poseidon bowed you down, by raising 
Foul winds and mighty waves against you in ships ? 
Or mischief, on dry land perchance, did foemen 
Upon you in cutting off their beeves and flocks 
Of goodly sheep ? Or for your City and women 
Was 't ye were fighting ? Tell me at once about it : 
A friend too of thine I boast me. Bear'st thou not 
In memory, how that yonder to your house 
With godlike Menelaus I came down. 
To urge Odusseus forth in trim-oared ships, 
And go with us to Ilion ? And Odusseus, 
The City- Waster, gained we over at last, 
With much ado, — and a full month quite gone, 
We crossed the vasty deep." Anon the ghost 
Of lord Amphimedon thus answered him : 
' Chieftain of Men, most noble Agamemnon, 
Atreides ! This all well I bear in memory ; 
And of our death I '11 tell thee the sad term 
All truly, and how it happed. Wooing the wife 
Were we of Odusseus, long-gone, far away : 
And She, she neither said us nay, nor granted 
Accomplishment of a marriage hateful to her, 
Planning the while dark Doom and Death for Us : 
But of her tricks here is one that she contrived : 
She set her loom and 'gan to weave a web 
Of ample size, fine, yea surpassing measure, 
In her apartments ; then unto Us forthwith 
She said : "Young men, who come to me a-wooing, 
' Since dead is prince Odusseus, stay awhile, 



506 THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 

" Stay ye your pressing marriage yet "upon me, 

*' Until I shall have finished ofi" this pall, — 

"Else vain and all for nought my threads were lost,— 

" A shroud for the lord Laertes, whensoe'er 

" Death's fatal Doom shall seize and lay him outstretched : 

135 " That no Achaian lady in all the land 

" May blame me, as well as she might were he, who had 

owned 
" Great wealth, to lie not honoured with a shroud." — 
' So spake she, and as for us, our gallant hearts 
' Were straight persuaded. There then, day by day, 
' Kept she indeed still weaving her large web : 
' 0' nights howe'er, and when she had set her torches 

140 * She used to undo it again ! For three years thus 
' She escaped" our ken, and cheated us Achaians : 
' But when on came the fourth year, and the seasons, 
' With waning months and many a day gone round, — 

* One of her women, who well knew thereof, 

* Told us, whereat we went and found her at it 
' Herself all ravelling out the splendid web. 

145 ' Then indeed, e'en perforce, howe'er unwilling 

' She brought it quite to an end. When she had woven 
' And washed the ample web, and shewed the pall, 
' Bright as the Sun or Moon, — ^just Then forsooth, 
' Somewhence, a Chance unlucky brought Odusseus 
' To the outmost border of his field, whereon 
' The swineherd had his dwelling : thither also 

150 ' Came prince Odusseus' own dear son, just back 

* From sandy Pylos with his dusky ship. 

' They two soon planned a sorry death for the Wooers, 
' And then to the noisy Town they came : His way 
' Telemachus indeed came on before ; 



BOOK /2. 507 

And afterwards Odusseus, and the swineherd, 

Who guided him all clad in a garb unseemly, 

Like unto a wretched beggarman and old. 

Propped on a staff : and clad he was with sorry — 

Such sorry rags about his limbs. And none 

Of Us, not even the elder-born amongst us, 

Could know him, who he was, come thus to light 

On sudden. But with ugly words and blows 

We, attacked him. For the nonce howe'er he endured, 

With patient heart, being hurled at and misused 

In his own halls. But when at length the will 

Of ^gis-bearing Zeus aroused him up, — 

Together with Telemachus he carried 

His goodly harness right away and put them 

Into the store-room, and made fast the bolts : 

Anon with ready guile he bade his consort 

Put forth to her Wooers his Bow and the grizzly steels, 

Contests for Us ill-doomed. And the beginning 

Of Slaughter. For of Us not one had power 

To strain the string of that strong Bow ; but short, 

Far short we were : but when the mighty Bow 

Did come to Odusseus' hands, then indeed We 

All shouted out together — Not to give him • 

The Bow, no not for all his chattering talk. 

Telemachus howe'er alone urged on 

And bade him : whereupon the patient prince 

Odusseus took it in hand ; and easily 

He bent the Bow and shot throughout the steels. 

Then stepped he upon the door-sill, and there stood, 

And peering grimly around poured out about him 

The speedy shafts ; and shot the prince Antinous. 

Anon with sure straight aim did he let fly 



508 



THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 



180 



185 



190 



195 



200 



The groan-begetting bolts against the others, 
And thick in heaps they fell. Well known was it then, 
How some one of the gods was sure Their helper ; 
For following all their furious bent they rushed 
This way and that about the hall and Slaughtered ; 
And groans unseemly arose, the groans of These^ 
Our stricken heads ; and the floor all boiled with blood. 
Thus, Agamemnon, perished We ; whose bodies 
Now at Odusseus' halls are lying e'en yet 
Uncared for : for not yet at the homes of any 
Do the friends know ; who sure would come and wash 
The dark gore off, from out our wounds, and bury 
And mourn us ; the last honours of the dead." 
Then answered him Atreides' ghost : *' Blessed, 
Laertes' son, Odusseus ever-ready ! 
A wife with goodness comely indeed thou hast gained ! 
! a brave heart was Hers ! Icarius' daughter, 
Spotless Penelope ! well in memory 
Kept she the wedded husband of her youth, 
Odusseus : wherefore never shall Her fame 
Perish, of That her Goodness : but a song, 
Graceful, in praise of shrewd Penelope 
The Deathless ones shall tune for all on the earth. — 
Not 8o was minded in her heinous deeds 
Tyndareus' daughter, when she slew her lord 
The wedded of her youth : and She shall be 
A hateful song in the world : and an ill fame 
She has tacked to the gentler race of womankind. 
E'en upon her, may be, doing well and right." — 
With such-like talk conversed they each with other. 
Standing in Hades' courts, in the depths of the earth. — 
Meanwhile, from out the Town, when down came They, 



BOOK n, 509 

They quickly reached Laertes' fair- tilled field, 
205 The which Laertes had himself erst gotten, 
Through many a heavy labour undergone : 
There was his house ; and round on every side 
There ran a line of huts, wherein the serfs 
"Were wont to eat, and sit, and pass the night, 
Bondmen, who wrought him all kind services. 
210 Lidoors, there was an old Sicilian woman. 

Who used with eager care to tend the old man 
At field, afar from Town. There now Odusseus 
Spake thus to his son and herdsmen : '* Now go You 

* Into the fair-built house forthwith, and slay ye 
' A hog for dinner, quick, the best there is ; 

215 ' And I, I '11 put our father to the proof, 

* Whether at sight he '11 mark and know me again, 

* Or whether he '11 know me not,— parted so long." 
So saying, he gave his fighting gear to the serfs : 
Then hied they into the homestead : but Odusseus, 

220 For making proof, drew near to the fruitful garden : 
Into the roomy orchard down he went ; 
But found not Dolius there, nor any one 
Of the serfs, nor of his sons : but gone were they 
To gather stones for walls, for fence to the garden ; 
And he, the old man, went shewing them the way. 

225 But in the well-wrought garden found he his father, 
Him only, digging round about a plant : 
And clad he was in a dirty coat, unseemly, 
Botched; and about his legs he had tied botched baskins, 
For escaping scratches ; gloves too upon his hands, 
Because of briars : above, upon his head 

230 A goatskin cap he wore, — nursing his grief. 
Now soon as e'er the patient prince Odusseus 



510 



THE ODYSSEY. XXIY. 



235 



240 



245 



250 



255 



Noted him thus, worn by old age, and hugging 
A mighty grief at heart, — he stopped forthwith 
'Neath a tall pear-tree, and straight let fall a tear. — 
In heart and soul then presently he pondered. 
Whether at once to clasp and kiss his father. 
And tell him all, and how he had come and reached 
His fatherland ; or whether first to question. 
And point by point to put him to the proof. 
And this to his thinking seemed the best,— at once 
With stinging words to put him to the proof. 
Thus minded, prince Odusseus went straight to him : 
Now he, yet holding down his head, was delving 
About the plant, when standing at his side 
His glorious son addressed him thus : '^ Sir ! 
About thee here 's no want of skilfulness 
In dressing the orchard; but thy management 
Is thriving well with thee ; and never a plant, 
Nor pear, nor vine, nor olive-tree, nor fig, — 
Nor a plot throughout the garden 'scapes thy care. 
Yet else I '11 say ; but store not thou hereat 
Wrath in thy heart : there 's not about Thyself 
Good care ; but all at once thou art sad and old, 
Unwashen and dirty, and in unseemly garb. 
Not on the score of idleness at least 
Is 't that thy master takes no care of thee : 
Nor, — to behold thy goodly form and height, — 
Hast thou a slavish look about thee a whit ; 
For look'st like a princely chief. And such thou seemest, 
As, having bathed and eaten, should slumber softly ; 
As is the way of old men. But come now, tell me, 
And give me a true account : Who, who is the master 
Thou servest ? and whose orchard art thou dressing ? 



BOOK i2. 511 

' And this more tell me true, that I may know 

' Of a surety, — whether really Ithaca 

' We here have reached, as was I told but now 

* In coming hither, by a man who met me ; 
260 ^ One sure not sound in wits ; for not the grace 

' Had he to tell me all, nor yet to listen 
' Unto my word, when I kept asking him 
' About a friend of mine, if haply he lives 

* And has his being, or whether now he is dead 

' And in the abode of Hades. For 1 11 tell thee, 
' And thou, — take heed and hear me : once on a time 

265 ' In my dear fatherland I entertained 

' A Man who came to our house : and sure, of guests 
' From far-off lands, no mortal else e'er came 
' Unto my house a dearer guest. He boasted 
' To draw his race from Ithaca, and his father 
' He said was Arcesiades Laertes. 

270 * Him to my halls I took, and of my plenty 

* Gave him kind treatment, with right hearty welcome : 

* And many a guest-pledge, as 't was fit, I gave him : 

* I gave him gold, refined, seven talents' weight ; 
'And gave him a burnished mixing-bowl, all silver; 
' Twelve single mantles too, and as many carpets ; 

275 ' Also as many goodly cloaks ; and coats 
'As many yet beside : and furthermore, 

* Four shapely women, blemishless, well-skilled 
' In handiwork, those whom he wished to take." 
Then answered him the father shedding tears : 

" Stranger! the land indeed thou here hast reached, 
280 ' About the which thou askest : violent men, 
' And arrogant, howe'er, are holding it : 
' And fruitless are those gifts thou gav'st so freely, 



512 THE ODYSSEY, XXIV. 

' Pressing them countless : but hadst thou found 

* Jlimjet alive in the land of Ithaca, 

' Then had he sure well answered thee with gifts, 
'And gallant guest -rites, and so sped thee forth; 
285 ' The due to whosoe'er has first given welcome. 
' But tell me this, and give me a true account ; 
' How many a year is 't now, since thou receivedst 

* Him, that unhappy guest of thine. My Son, 

* If e'er that could be, — Luckless? whom somewhere, 
' Far from his friends and fatherland, -^in the deep 

290 * Fishes have eaten up ; or on the land 

' He has been the prey of ravening birds and beasts : 

* No laying forth his corse did weeping mother 

' And father make him, we who gave him being ; 
^ Nor yet with moans did shrewd Penelope, 
' His richly dowried consort, close his eyes 
' And mourn her lord laid out on stately bier, 
295 * As had been seemly ; the honours of the dead. 
' And tell me this and true, that I may know 

* Of a surety ; Who ? who art thou and from what country ? 
' Thy Town too and fathers tell me, where and who ? 
'And where is the swift ship moored, that brought thee 

hither, 
' Thee and thy godlike mates ? or art thou come 
' Mere passenger on board another's ship, 
300 ' Wherefrom they put thee ashore and went away ? " 
Then answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 
" Tell thee will I all this, yea and that right truly : 
' My race I draw from the land of Alybas, 
' Where, when at home, in far-famed halls I dwell 
' Son of the lord Apheidas, who was the son 
' Of Polupemon ; named howe'er am I 



BOOK 12. 013 

305 ' Eperitos : but hither some ill chance 

' Has driven me away from Sicily and wandering 
' Against my will. My ship here by yon field 

* Aloof from the Town is moored. The fifth year this 
' Is now since prince Odnsseus went from Us, 

' And ill-doomed left my fatherland. Yet sure 
310 ' Birds were there, right-hand birds, of lucky omen, 
' At his departure, whereupon I sped him, 
^ With farewell greeting, forth ; and forth he went 
' Rejoicing on his way : and both our hearts 
' Hoped yet again to meet, as host and guest 

* In ties of friendship, and to give bright gifts." 
He spake ; whereat a gloomy cloud of grief 

315 O'ercast the father, and with both his hands 
Up-catching dusty ashes from the ground, 
And heaving many a groan, he scattered them 
Adown his hoary head : whereat the son. 
Stirred was the heart within him ; and straightway 
Up through his nostrils burst forth keen, hot spirit. 
At looking on his father. Springing at him 

320 He clasped and kissed him, and outspake to him thus : 
** I, I myself am e'en that very He, 

* For whom thou art asking, father ; and I 'm come 
' Home to my fatherland in the twentieth year. 

' But stay thee now from tearful sorrow and wailing. 
' For plain I '11 tell thee (and must needs all haste) ; 
' I 've slain the suitors in our halls, and vengeance 
325 * On them I' ve taken for their evil deeds 

* And heart-distressing outrage." Straight then answered 
Laertes, and spake thus : ** If now indeed 

' Odusseus art thou, My Child, home again, 

* Tell me some token now right plain, whereby 

33 



514 THE ODrSSEY. XXIV. 

' I may be assured." Anon then answered him 
Odusseus ever-ready : '' With thine eyes 
330 * First then see here a Scar ; where with white tusk 

* A wild boar wounded me, erewhile a-hunting 

* On mount Parnassus ; whither sent by Thee 

* And by my lady mother forth I went 

* Unto Autolycus, my mother's father, 

* To fetch back gifts, which at his coming hither 

* He had undertaken and agreed to give me. 

335 ' Yet more ; the trees about this well- tilled orchard 
' I '11 tell thee, those thou gav'st me once on a time, 

* When I, a child, was following thee about, 

* And asking thee for each and all in the garden : 
' And in among them as we stepped along 

^ Thou told'st me of each the several name and kind. 
' Thou gav'st me thirteen pear-trees, and ten apple, 
340 ' And forty fig ; and further 't was thy promise 

* To give me vines on this wise,— fifty rows, 

* Each following each in vintage : and all over 
' Bunches of grapes of every kind there were, 

* What time Jove's ripening seasons from above 

' Weighed down the heavy vines." He spake ; whereat 
That old man's knees and very heart gave way 

345 There on the spot, as thus he knew again 

The tokens firm, all that Odusseus gave him. 
Then flung he his arms about his dear-loved son : 
And him the patient prince Odusseus took, 
Took swooning unto his breast. But soon as ever 
He gained his breath again, and into his heart 
The spirit was gathered, out again he spake : 

350 '* Zeus father ! now of a surety on high Olympus 
'Ye gods Are Yet; if really the impious Wooers 



BOOK /2. 515 

' Have paid for all their arrogance and riot I 
^ Yet have I fear at heart now mightily, 
' Lest hither suddenly all the Ithacans 
' Should come upon us, and dispatch the tidings 
^ Kound unto all the Cephallenian cities." 
355 Straight answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 

" Cheer up ! Let no such cares disturb thy heart ; 
' But go we unto the house here snug at hand 
' By the orchard : thither have I sent before me 
^ The swineherd, cowherd, and Telemachus, 

* For getting dinner ready with all speed." 

360 Thus talking, stepped they towards the goodly abode. 
Now when they reached the pleasant house, they found 
The swineherd, cowherd, and Telemachus 
Cutting up fleshmeats many a mess, and mingling 
The ruddy wine. Whereat while they were busy. 
The old Sicilian serving-woman washed 

365 The mighty-souled Laertes in his house 

And 'nointed him with oil, and cast about him- 

A goodly mantle : anon Athene Pallas 

Drew near the people's pastor, and filled out 

His limbs with suppleness, and made him seem 

Taller and stouter than before to look at. 

From forth the bath he came ; and wondering at him 

370 Gazed his dear son, at seeing him fashioned thus 
In likeness of the Deathless gods before him. 
Then unto him spake he thus in winged words : 
'' father ! Now of a surety some of the gods 
' Has made thee blemishless indeed to look at 

* In goodly form and height ! " With prudent spirit 
Laertes answered him again : "Ah now,— 

375 * Zeus father ! and Athene ! and Apollo ! 



516 THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 

* Would were I such as once when, holding sway 

* Over the Oephallenians, I went forth 

* And took the fair-built Town of Nericon, 

* On yonder mainland coast ! that e'en such 
' I yesterday had been with thee in our courts, 
' With harness on my shoulders, to stand by 

380 ' And keep those Wooers off ! Then sure I had loosed 

* The knees of many a one of them in the halls ; 

' And thou, within thee, hadst been warmed at heart."- 
In such-like talk conversed they each with other. 
Now when the rest had ceased their task, and made 
The banquet ready, down they sat in order 
On chair and bench :— there then they put forth hands 

385 Upon their dinner : — presently drew near 

That old man Dolius, and that old man's sons, 
Back from their work, a-wearied ; for their mother. 
Who brought them up, — the old Sicilian woman, — 
Had just gone forth and called them in : and wonted 
Was she right carefully to tend the old man. 
Now that old age had taken hold upon him. 

390 They then, as soon as e'er they spied Odusseus 
And noted him, stopped all amazed in the hall : 
Whereat attacking them in courteous words 
Odusseus thus addressed them : " Now to dinner 
' Sit down. Old man ! and put ye clean away 
'All thought of wonderment ; for long in the house 
' Ever awaiting you, and staying were we, 

395 ' Eight fain to lay our hands upon the meat." 
He spake : whereat, outspreading both his arms, 
Unto him straight went Dolius ; and at the wrist 
He caught and kissed Odusseus' hand, and thus 
In winged words addressed him : " beloved ! 



BOOK /2. 517 

' Whereas thou 'rt back to us, yearning sore for thee, 
400 * Yet without hope, — but sure the gods themselves 

* Have brought thee now, — Health and all joy be with thee, 
' And may the gods give Thee all manner of Wealth ! 

* And tell me this and true, that I may know ; 
^ Whether— of thy being hither come again — 

' Thoughtful Penelope now knows of a surety, 
' Or should we speed one with the tidings to her." — 
405 Straight answered him Odusseus ever-ready : 

" Old Man, she knows ere now ; what needs it thee 

* To toil at this ?" — He spake, whereat the old man 
Withdrew and sat him on the fair-wrought bench. 
So in like manner came the sons of Dolius 
About renowned Odusseus, and with words 

Of welcome greeted him, and clasped his hands ; 

410 Then orderly beside their father Dolius 

They sat them down. Thus busy about their dinner 
Were they in the house. Meanwhile, about the Town 
Quick, gadding everywhere went the Envoy Kumour, 
Noising abroad the Suitors' hateful Death 
And violent doom. Anon, at hearing of it, 
Astir were all alike from every quarter, 

415 With moans and groans, and thronged before the palace 
Of the prince Odusseus : forth from out the court 
Then 'gan they carry the dead : and each and all 
Paid them the last due honours : those howe'er 
From the other Towns they put on board swift galleys, 
And gave in charge to sailors to convey, 
Each to his home : then came they into assembly, 

420 Thronging together, grieving sore at heart ; 

Now soon as gathered were they and all assembled, 
Then up Eupeithes rose and thus addressed them; 



518 THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 

For in his heart there lay a grief incessant, 
Grief for his son Antinous, whom foremost 
Had prince Odusseus killed : for whose dear sake 
Now shedding tears he thus harangued and said : 
425 '^ friends ! This Man has wrought against Achaians 

* Full heinous Work indeed ! Those he took forth 
' Both many a one and gallant in his fleet, 

' All those he lost, both hollow ships and people, 
^ Utterly lost ; and now he has come and slain 

* These, far the choicest of the Cephallenians ! 

' Come then, ere quick he hies him into Pylos, 

430 ' Or sacred Elis, where the Epeians rule, 

' Fall We upon him ! Else downcast for ever 
' Hereafter shall we be ! — for sure These things 
' Are a disgrace to hear of, — e'en to the times 
' Of those as yet unborn ! If now we take not 
' Vengeance for murders of our sons and brethren, 
^ For my part, Life to me were sweet no longer, 

435 * But rather would I die with all dispatch 

' And be among the slain. But hie we at once ; 
' Or else, beforehand with us, They'll cross over." 
So spake he, shedding tears : and rueful Pity 
Gat hold on all the Achaians. — Unto them. 
Anon drew near from forth Odusseus' courts 
The godlike Bard and Medon, for but now 

440 Had Sleep released them : now in the midst they stood ; 
And wonderment gat hold on every man. 
Whereat before them out spake Medon, skilled 
In prudent counsels : " Now, now hear ye me, 
' Ithacans ! for sure not has Odusseus 
'Contrived these deeds without the Deathless gods, 
' And their good will. I myself saw a god. 



BOOK SI. 519 

445 ' A Deathless god, who stood beside Odusseus, 
^ And had the guise, in every way, of Mentor. 
' And there, at one time, right before Odusseus, 
' Seen was the Deathless god, cheering him on ; 
' Darting, at other whiles, about the hall, 
' Scaring the Wooers : and thick in heaps they fell." — 
He said : upon them all thereat Pale Fear 

450 Took sudden hold. Anon spake thus amongst them 
The lord Mastorides, old Halitherses ; 
For he, he alone, could see the past and future ; 
And thus, with kindly thought and shrewd, he harangued 

them: 
" Ithacans ! hear me Now the word I'll say : — 
' This business all has come to pass, my friends, 

* Through your own weakness ; for ye heeded not, 
455 ' Not me, nor Mentor, pastor of the people, 

* To stay your sons from all their senseless folly ; * 
' While they with rashness arrogant and wicked 

' Were doing a heinous deed, clipping the wealth 

* Of our Brave Prince, and honouring not his consort : 
' Nor thinking were they He should e'er return. 

460 * And now be it Thus : comply ye with my counsel, 
' Let us not go ; lest haply some among us 

* Shall find but mischief drawn upon himself!" — 
He spake : whereat upstarted to their feet, 

With mighty shouting, more than half the assembly 
(The rest kept still together) : for good 'counsel 
Pleased not the more part, but with ready heed 
465 They listened unto Eupeithes ; and forthwith 

In haste to arms they rushed. Soon as they had girt 
Their gleaming brass about them, thick they mustered 

* See B. ii. 168, 244. 



520 THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 

Outside the roomy Town. And in this Folly 
Enpeithes was their leader ; for he thought, 
He did, to avenge the slaughter of his son : 
But no, nor destined was He indeed to come 

470 Back again home, but there to meet his doom \ — 
Meanwhile, Athene Pallas thus accosted 
Zeus Chronides : ** Chronides, our father, 
' Most high of rulers ! tell me now, I pray thee, 
' What does thy heart keep hidden close within it ? — 
' On wilt thou push this horrible battle-cry 

475 ^ And troublous warfare ? or dost thou order friendship 
' 'Twixt both at one again ?"— Straight answered her 
Cloud-gatherer Zeus : *' My Child ! why, why dost ask me 
' All this with such close question ? Didst not Thou 

* Thyself devise this thought ? how that Odusseus 

* Should sure return and take on Them full vengeance ? 
480 Do, as thou wilt : yet, as methinks is fitting, 

I '11 tell thee : Forasmuch as prince Odusseus 
' Has taken vengeance on the Wooers, — let Him, 
' All taking solemn oaths, be king for ever : 
' And We 11 ordain Forgetting and Forgiving 
' Of slaughter of sons and brethren : and henceforth 
' Let each love other, as afore : and Wealth, 

485 ' And Peace and Plenty let there be amongst them." 
So saying, he stirred Athene— prompt already ; 
And forth she darted from the Olympian heights 
Her downward way. — Now when, meanwhile, they yonder 
Had put away desire of pleasant meat, 
Foremost spake thus the staunch-souled prince Odusseus : 

490 " Let one go forth and look, lest draw they near 
' And be hard by already." He spake : and forth, 
Upon his bidding, went a son of Dolius : 



BOOK £1. 521 

Upon the door-sill stepped lie and stood, and Them 

All near at hand he espied : whereat forthwith 

To Odusseus thus in winged words he spake : 

" Here now they are, hard by ; then arm we quick ! "— 

495 He said : and up they leapt, and donned their arms, 
Four with Odusseus, — six those sons of Dolius : 
Laertes also and Dolius, warriors now 
Willing or nilling, gat them under arms, — 
However grey-headed. Soon as had they donned 
Their gleaming brass about them, they oped the gates 

500 And sallied forth, Odusseus taking lead. 

Unto them now drew near Jove*s mighty daughter 
Athene, seeming Mentor, both in fashion 
And also in speech. At sight of her forsooth 
Glad was the much-enduring prince Odusseus, 
And quick spake thus to his son Telemachus : 

505 ^' Here now, Telemachus, shalt come thyself, 
* And See, — in the battle-strife of men, wherein 
' The bravest are discerned,— See thou disgrace not 
' The race of all thy fathers ; for in prowess 
' And manhood hitherto throughout the world 
' Ever excelled have Tf^." In prudent spirit 
Telemachus then answered him ; " Dear father ! 

510 ' With courage, such that whereof thou speakest, 
' Shalt see me an so thou wilt, nowise disgracing 
' Thy noble race." He said ; whereat Laertes 
Kejoiced and spake this word : "0 what a day, 
' Dear gods, is This for me, for me right joyful ! 
^ Here are my son and grandson bravely vieing 
' On the ground of prowess ! " — Now accosted him 

515 Bright-eyed Athene : " Arcesiades, 

' To me far dearest of all friends, now pray 



522 THE ODYSSEY. XXIV. 

' To the Bright-eyed Maid and to her father Zeus, 

* Then straightway poise and hurl thy lengthy spear." 
She spake : and into him breathed Athene Pallas 

A mighty force : whereat then praying forthwith 
520 To great Jove's Daughter, all on a sudden he poised 
His lengthy spear, drew it back and hurled it forth, 
And smote Eupeithes, through his brass-cheeked helmet ; 
Which parried not the spear ; but right clean through it 
The weapon pierced : and dead, with a heavy thump, 
He fell, and on him rattled all his harness. 
Meanwhile, Odusseus and his gallant son 
525 Rushed on and fell upon the foremost fighters, 
And smote with swords and double-fitted spears. 
And sure now had they killed them all, and made them 
Hopeless of home-return, had not Athene, 
Daughter of ^gis-bearing Zeus, called out 
With a loud voice, and so checked all the people : 
530 " Ithacans! Hold ye at once from painsome battle! 

* That at least bloodless may ye part asunder 
' Most speedily !" So spake Athene Pallas : 
On Them thereat Pale Fear gat sudden hold. 
They were afeared ; and forth their weapons flew 
From out their hands, and fell to the earth, at the dread 
Sound of the goddess' voice : then, fain for life, 

535 They turned about in flight towards the Town : 
Whereat the much-enduring prince Odusseus 
Shouted, right terrible to hear, and darted 
With gathered spring, like as a soaring eagle. 
Then, e'en just then, Zeus Chronides discharged 
His smoky thunderbolt; and down it fell 
Before the Mighty father's Bright-eyed Maid. 

540 Then thus Athene, Bright-eyed, spake to Odusseus : 



BOOK 12. 523 

" Stay, stay thee, Jove-sprung Laertiades 

* Odusseus ever-ready ! and bring to an end 
' This common battle-strife ; lest Chronides 

* Far-seeing Zeus be moved to wrath against thee." 
So spake Athene ; and straight the prince obeyed, 
And was at heart right glad. Then a firm treaty 

5i5 Of Peace thenceforth 'mongst all with solemn oaths 
On either side was made by great Jove's Daughter, 
Pallas Athene, binding all and each. 
While seemed she Mentor, both in form and speech. 



524 THE ODYSSEY. 



The Translator, 

in laying down his pen, 

here indulgeth in a Puff, 

not from weariness, 

but in accordance with the custom 

of this age. 



Farewell, my rough-tongued Odyssey, 

Go forth ! have no misgiving, 
Though somewhat marred and maimed and halt, 

But thou shalt gain a living. 

For those who know thy pristine tongue, 

Its torrent fiery measure, 
Thou mayst not think, changed as thou art, 

To strike one spark of pleasure : 

Thy pristine tongue and gait, some times. 
Calm, courteous, tranquil, steady ; 

Yet for the nonce, full many a time. 
For gambol and glee so ready : 



m S2 nn.^ 



THE ODYSSEY. 525 

Like now to a gentle murmuring rill, 

Now to proud river flowing ; 
And now to a troubled angry sea, 

When a hurricane is blowing : 

With Such enchanting tongue and gait 

Hast Thou of Yore delighted : 
Ah, might the old Bard but see thee as Here, 

Sure would he be clean frighted ! 

Yet maySr thou ease a Schoolboy's pains, 

And prove to Him a treasure, 
For ready change of Homer's coin 

Valued at English measure. 

Let English Headers take my Page : 

He'll serve, e'en as he is able. 
And tell, in English tongue, the tale 

Of Homer's wondrous Fable.; 

Wherein is Counsel, good for all- 
Husbands and Wives, and Wooers ; 

For People and Princes ; Hosts and Guests : — 
And Warning for Ill-Doers, 

Then forth mine English Page, afar ! 

Look out for folk to read thee : 
And let who reads, entice his friends 

Also to read, and Speed thee ! 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO THE BOOKS. 



1 ALPHA : the assembly of the gods : Athen^ 
Visits Telemachus and gives him Courage, 
And Wisdom for his guide : the suitors* revels. 

2 BETA : the parliament ; the suitors' warning ; 
And the departure of Telemachus. 

3 GAMMA : Telemachus at Pylos : l^estor 
Kindly receives and tells him all he knows, 
And with an escort speeds him on to Sparta. 

4 DELTA : Telemachus at Lacedaemon 
Hears tidings of his sire from Menelaus : 
The suitors plot his death and lie in ambush. 

5 EPSILOI^ shews Calypso's island grot : 
Odusseus builds his raft : Poseidon wrecks it ; 
And hardly Odusseus 'scapes and gains Phaeacia. 

6 ZETA : the Scherian princess, iN'ausicaa, 
Kindly receives and feeds and clothes Odusseus. 

7 ETA : Odusseus kindly entertained 

In the isle of Scheria by the king, Alcinoos. 

8 THETA : Odusseus in a game of quoits 

Beats the Phaeacian youths : the Minstrel's lays. 

9 IOTA sings the Cyclops, Polyphemos. 

10 KAPPA has JEolus ; the Laestrygonians ; 
And the ^aean Circe's magic spells. 



ALPHABETICAL INDEX TO THE BOOKS. 527 

1 1 LAMBDA : of l^ecromancy, in the realm 
Of Hades ; where Odusseus holds discourse 
With sundry ghosts and gains intelligence. 

12 MIX sings of Seirens and of dangerous rocks, 
Of Scylla, and of Charybdis' whirling pool. 

13 'NTJ : how Odusseus reaches Ithaca. 

14 XI shews Odusseus at his swineherd's cot : 
Eumaeus entertains him : their discourse. 

15 OMICEOiN" sings Telemachus' return 
From Sparta ; and the suitors' ambuscade. 

16 PI : how Odusseus, in the swineherd's absence. 
Doffs his disguise before Telemachus. 

17 EHO : how Odusseus, coming to his palace 
Is recognized by his aged favourite hound. 

He begs before the suitors : how they treat him. 

18 SIGMA : the fight 'twixt Irus and Odusseus. 

19 TAU : how Odusseus with Penelope 

Holds converse : how the old nurse discovers him. 

20 UPSILOIS" : how with ominous thunderclap 
Zeus cheers Odusseus and restrains the suitors. 

21 PHI sings the Sending of Odusseus' Eow. 

22 CHI : how Odusseus works the suitors' deaths. 

23 PSI : how Penelop^ at length believes. 
And recognizes her dear lord, Odusseus. 

24 , OMEGA : risings of the suitors' friends : 

Odusseus queUs them, and in Peace aU ends. 



STEPHEN AtJSTIN, 




PBINTEE, HEBTFOED 



